Cop granted discharge after siccing dog on man

TORONTO • An Ontario police officer who pleaded guilty to assault after siccing his K9 unit dog on a compliant suspect was granted conditional discharge Wednesday, as the judge blamed the incident on an “impulsive error in judgment.”

Justice Harvey Brownstone said the officer had taken responsibility for his excessive use of force and expressed remorse.

“It is abundantly clear that this offence was an isolated incident that arose from an impulsive error in judgment and not by a premeditated act or loss of temper or a personality disorder,” Brownstone said.

Earlier this month, York regional police Const. Michael Partridge admitted his role in the assault on March 30, 2016, that left a man with minor injuries.

Partridge was originally charged with assault and assault with a weapon but pleaded guilty to one count of assault. The Crown had been seeking a three-month sentence of house arrest.

A surveillance video shows Partridge kicking and punching a break-and-enter suspect while the dog he released bit and clamped down on the man’s arm.

Crown lawyer Peter Scrutton told court the assault lasted for 30 seconds.

Partridge still faces three allegations of misconduct under the Police Services Act and remains suspended with pay until the case is heard.