Mantler quits RCMP

Buddy Tavares struggles to read victim impact statement outside Kelowna courthouse Tuesday.

KELOWNA – A sentencing hearing for former Kelowna RCMP officer, Geoff Mantler, is under way.

Mantler pled guilty to assault causing bodily harm last December.

He was charged for kicking Kelowna resident, Buddy Tavares, in the head during an arrest in January 2011.

The incident was caught on tape by videojournalist Kelly Hayes.

Mantler had originally pled not guilty to the charge but changed his plea half-way through his trial.

Mantler had been suspended without pay.

The Crown is asking for a suspended sentence and 18 months probation.

“Constable Mantler either ignored or forgot most of his training. The violence was shocking and clearly unnecessary. Mr. Tavares was completely defenseless and vulnerable complying with what he was told and was not resisting,” says Crown, Will Burrows.

The defence is asking for a conditional discharge.

Tavares read a victim impact statement saying that he suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.

The RCMP were in the process of dismissing Mantler, but he has since resigned from the force.

The judge will hand down his decision Thursday.