ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A former Orlando police officer caught on video kneeing a man in the stomach in a jail cell was sentenced to 51 weeks in the county jail, plus two years probation. Delio faced up to five years in jail.
Peter Delio kneed Robert Liese in the stomach in 2015, and Liese later had to have his spleen removed because of internal bleeding. Liese’s attorney argued the spleen had to be removed because of Delio, but prosecutors said it was related to a previous car accident.
"It disgusted me that I had made that mistake. That I'd betrayed my training. I'd betrayed the trust that was placed on me," Delio said on the stand Wednesday.
Liese was arrested over a dispute about a bar tab. Investigators said he was drunk in the jail cell and bashed his own head against a holding cell door.
Delio has also been ordered to pay restitution to Liese, but the dollar amount is still being determined.
Delio cried on the stand as he apologized to Liese for kneeing him in the stomach.
"I understand why the jury made the decision that they did. It's clear to me why they did. I was wrong and I caused your injuries sir, and I am deeply sorry," Delio said.
Delio's father also took the stand to apologize to Liese on his son's behalf.
"If I could go back in that cell, I would take that blow for you," said Alfred Delio.
Jury: Former Orlando police officer violated inmate's rights in excessive force case
Cox Media Group
