A Toronto police officer pleads guilty by the state court for one of the most harrowing brutal assault cases ever.
The horrifying incident took place in 2016, making it one of the most public affairs ever.
The police officer showed extreme inhumane and violent behavior as he assaulted a young black teen, Dafonte Miller. The after-effects of the beating were of the most severe kind. It caused him to lose his eye.
Here is more on the horrifying incident that has the world at a standstill.
Dafonte Miller- the black teen who lost an eye due to brutal assault
Prosecutors alleged that an off duty Canadian cop, alongside his brother, chased the victim during the early hours of the day.
Most importantly, they helplessly cornered the black man between two different residences. And that’s exactly when they started beating him viciously.
According to reports, the criminals used a pipe that led his left eye burst and then pop out. The brutal assault occurred in 2016, in Whitby Ontario, sending shockwaves around the globe.
The public eye closely followed Micheal Theriault and his brother. And it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this case was ‘very high profile.’
Both the Theriaults pleaded not guilty of the ‘aggravated assault’ as well as obstruction of the law. This was in relation to the harrowing December 2016 incident, which left many in absolute awe.
However, last Friday’s hearing left many elated with tears and sighs of relief.
Judge finds Michael Theriault guilty of assault while acquitting brother
The Ontario Supreme Court’s justice, Joseph Di Luca delivered the verdict during the early hours of the day, leaving many in smiles.
According to reports, defense lawyers staged a protest. They argued about how the officers caught Dafonte Miller committing a crime. Furthermore, they went on to claim that they observed Miller, alongside his friends, breaking into an unidentified vehicle. And hence, the officer acted in self-defense.
The reports went on to allege that Miller was carrying a pipe, and not the officer. But all the claims couldn’t be proven, leaving us with the verdict that we have in front of us today.
Justice Di Luca raises concerns about the social context of the case
It would be wrong to claim that this case had no social context attached. And that’s because it was viewed by so many around the world, particularly because of the element of race attached.
And that’s why Justice Di Luca mentioned during his reading that he was well aware of how much social context surrounded the entire affair. In addition, he explained how this case and many other similar ones ‘raise significant matters involving race and policing that should be further examined.’
However, the senior judge reiterated the fact that it wasn’t his duty to carry out public inquiries relating to race as well as policing. Similarly, he explained that it wasn’t his obligation to deliver judgments based upon the actions and sentiments of the public.
Miller denies stealing cars in public, says he was out walking with friends
Miller, who is now 22 years of age, testified in court last fall, claiming he did not steal cars. He explained how he was walking randomly with friends. And that’s when the officer interrogated him.
Some of the vague questionings were related to why the boys were present in this particular area. And that’s exactly when the police cops started chasing him, moments after he and his buddies away.
Miller showed great bravery during such a brutal assault. He never got the chance to fight back and all he remembers witnessing is Michael Theriault and his pipe.
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