Closing arguments expected in the case of former SJC sheriff’s deputy charged with beating a man

3 years ago 260

Former St. Johns County lawman Anthony DeLeo.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Closing arguments are expected Wednesday successful the lawsuit of a erstwhile sheriff’s lawman charged with beating a antheral during a postulation stop.

Former St John’s region sheriff’s lawman Anthony DeLeo was fired and charged with artillery successful March of past year.

The assemblage could statesman deliberating Wednesday.

Tuesday, DeLeo took the basal and said helium ne'er intended to wounded the unfortunate successful this case.

DeLeo recovered himself doing thing helium apt ne'er thought helium would, testifying successful his ain defense.

Repeatedly, DeLeo said his extremity was compliance, not violence.

A witnesser recorded DeLeo hitting Christopher Butler with his baton 22 times, punching him 4 to 5 times and kicking him doubly successful the caput and body.

On the stand, DeLeo said helium slapped Butler connected the forehead with an unfastened manus successful bid to get power of his hands.

From there, helium said helium kneed Butler to the chest, but helium didn’t budge.

That’s erstwhile helium says Butler kicked his near knee.

DeLeo testified helium had recently undergone genu replacement country after helium was injured successful a 2017 on-duty motorcycle crash, and Butler’s footwear caused utmost pain.

The defence said that wounded is wherefore DeLeo decided not to spell to the crushed to effort to handcuff Butler.

When asked by prosecutors wherefore helium had to usage his baton to subdue butler, DeLeo said Butler’s injuries would’ve been worse had helium utilized his fist.

If convicted, DeLeo faces up to 15 years down bars.

A St. Johns County lieutenant said DeLeo utilized his baton successful a mode that was accordant with the Sheriff’s Office policies.

Once again, assemblage deliberations could commencement Wednesday aft closing arguments. You tin ticker the closing arguments unrecorded starting astatine 9 americium here.