Buddy Tavares says he’s not surprised to learn that the Kelowna RCMP officer who kicked him in the face has pleaded guilty.
Constable Geoff Mantler was on trial for assault causing bodily harm after being caught on camera kicking Tavares in the face during an arrest nearly two years ago.
The trial began last week and Mantler was expected to testify today when he suddenly changed his plea to guilty.
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Tavaras says Mantler was running out of options.
“You can tread water for as long as you can but eventually you’ll drown. I think he was at that point,” says Tavares. “I don’t think he wanted to get on the stand. How do you explain that (the kick)? You can’t.”
Mantler will be sentenced at a later date in the New Year.
It’s anticipated that he’ll be given a conditional sentence also called house arrest.
Tavares says he will not be attending Mantler’s sentencing hearing.
“No, I’ve had it with Mantler.”
Tavares has launched a civil suit against Mantler and the RCMP.
Kelowna RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon, says Mantler remains suspended without pay.
A disciplinary hearing under the RCMP Act will be held in January to determine Mantler’s status on the force.
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