A court in the Krasnoyarsk region town of Minusinsk on Monday sentenced Communist Deputy Dmitry Popkov to community service for assaulting a 15-year-old diabetic journalist.
The attack occurred in June 2012, when the young journalist was filming the town's City Day festivities for a local television segment. A group of people approached him and asked him to film them, but when the young operator refused due to a low battery, one of the attackers — whom he later identified as Popkov — hit him in the stomach and walked away.
The attack damaged a needle through which the young diabetic received insulin, creating a serious risk to his health.
Popkov was convicted of battery over the incident and given 300 hours of community service, Interfax reported Monday.
The prosecutor had asked to sentence him to 330 hours of community service.
Popkov's defense was not satisfied with the verdict, however, and said it would appeal the court's ruling, said Natalya Mishanina, a spokeswoman for the regional court.
Popkov was officially charged with battery on Oct. 26. During the course of the investigation, the lawmaker, who denied his guilt, used various means to hamper and delay the inquiry. According to media reports, Popkov tried to delay court proceedings by claiming to have a bleeding hemorrhoid. Despite the claim being supported by a medical statement, Popkov regularly takes part in city council meetings and was seen driving a car on the day of his arrest Saturday.
Semyon's mother Natalya said she was satisfied with Monday's verdict.
"The most important thing for me was acknowledging Popkov's wrongful actions by the court," she said.
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