Former Orlando police officer convicted of beating suspect bonds out of jail

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Orlando police Officer Peter Delio was found guilty of battery with great bodily harm Wednesday.

Delio bonded out of jail Wednesday night but did not answer any of Channel 9’s questions about the verdict.

In 2014, Delio was seen in jail surveillance video beating handcuffed suspect, Robert Liese and kneeing him in the abdomen.

Liese had to have his spleen removed after the incident.

“Justice was served today, and I think it’s just up to the judge as to what he feels should be the punishment,” said Liese.

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• Raw: Handcuffed suspect kneed by OPD officer (Short version)
• Raw: Prisoner kneed by OPD officer (Full version)

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Delio claimed it was self-defense.

"I think they wanted to play emotions. I think the emotions were played throughout the case, and they played it to a T. I think the jury got it wrong," Delio’s attorney David Bigney said.

Bigney asked for an acquittal Wednesday, saying there's no proof Liese didn't already have an injury before the incident.

"He testified the pain began when he was kicked at the car in front of the bar before being transported to the jail cell," said Bigney.

But the judge denied that request.

Delio faces up to five years in prison.

His sentencing is scheduled for November.

Cox Media Group