Henry’s ‘last break’
By Andre Coleman 10/04/2007
At previous court hearings, former Los Angeles police officer Irsie Henry seemed to be on the verge of tears as a judge determined whether he violated a mutual restraining order between himself and his Altadena neighbors.
At the third hearing on the matter Tuesday, Pasadena Superior Court Judge Coleman Swart issued Henry a suspended 10-day sentence and ordered him to pay $7,000 in court costs and attorney fees. And Henry again couldn't contain his emotions, only this time he cried openly after hearing the sentence.
“Mr. Henry, these charges are very serious,” said Swart, who threatened to send Henry to jail if he violated the restraining order again. “I am giving you your last break,” the judge added.
Henry was accused of slashing two tarpaulin sheets that neighbors John and Mellaine Hamilton had installed to avoid contact with the former cop, who they and other neighbors claim routinely harassed them because of his dislike for interracial couples. Henry is African American, as is Mellaine Hamilton.
Members of Henry's family expressed outrage following the sentencing.
“This isn't over!” proclaimed one of Henry's sisters as she stormed out of the courtroom.
Meanwhile, Henry also faces misdemeanor assault charges of illegally using pepper spray against John Hamilton.
“I think justice was done,” said Mellaine Hamilton of Henry's sentence. “He was an officer of the law, so he should pay attention to the law and give this neighborhood some peace.”DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT