Off-duty cop convicted in assault of Dafonte Miller gets 9 months in prison
Posted November 5, 2020 11:12 am.
Last Updated November 5, 2020 3:16 pm.
Toronto police officer Michael Theriault has been sentenced to nine months in jail and 12 months probation for the brutal, off-duty assault of Black man Dafonte Miller.
Const. Theriault and his brother, Christian, were charged with aggravated assault and obstruction of justice in connection with the Dec. 2016 incident in Whitby, Ont.
Prosecutors alleged the Theriault brothers chased Miller, then 19, and beat him with a metal pipe, leaving him with a ruptured eye, among other injuries.
The defence argued the pair wanted to arrest Miller after catching him and his friends breaking into the Theriault family truck.
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The brothers alleged that Miller was the one armed with a pipe and the brothers were forced to defend themselves.
Christian Theriault was found not guilty of aggravated assault and attempting to obstruct justice.
In a statement from Toronto police, chief James Ramer says Michael Theriault has been suspended without pay.
“Today’s outcome does not change the life-altering injuries sustained by Mr. Dafonte Miller,” Ramer said.
“This case has created a further divide between the police and the Black community, especially those who have lived experiences of discrimination in the justice system or by police. We will continue to take the steps necessary to rebuild trust with our communities and to ensure accountability and transparency.”
Ramer adds the Toronto Police Professional Standards unit will resume its investigation from the evening of the incident.
On Thursday, Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph Di Luca said this sentence isn’t crushing, but sends “the right message to deter future offenders.”
The sentencing hearing for Theriault began on Sept. 25.
With files from the Canadian Press
