Former police officer Michael Hart of Skokie, Illinois, received two years of probation this week after an incident that was caught on video in 2012 of him shoving a woman into a concrete bench.

The incident happened occurred the victim Cassandra Feuerstein was arrested for drunk driving. After arriving at the police station, officer Hart was seen on camera shoving Feuerstein into a concrete bench. Feuerstein crashed face-first into the bench, breaking her eye socket and loosening multiple teeth.

 

 

According to the Chicago Tribune, Hart, a 19-year veteran of the north suburban police department, resigned last year after Skokie officials told him they would seek to fire him over the incident. He will lose his pension as a result of pleading guilty to the felony count, according to his attorney, Jed Stone. Hart was sentenced to two years of probation as part of the plea deal.

Hart read the following apology in court on Wednesday. The apology was directed at Feuerstein, but she was not present during the sentencing:

 “I did not intend to or want to harm you in any way,” Hart said. “I acted in frustration and not out of anger or meanness. I’m sorry for the injuries I caused you. I hope you can accept my heartfelt apology.”

Feuerstein is also suing Hart over the incident. Hearings for the lawsuit are expected to begin soon.

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