An Indo-Canadian policeman in Vancouver has been found guilty of punching a cyclist in the face two years ago for jumping a red light and not wearing a helmet.
Ismail Bhabha, who migrated from the UK some years ago, was found guilty of the single charge of assault in September 2013 while attempting to handcuff a cyclist for breaking traffic rules by the Vancouver provincial court on Friday.
An investigation was launched into the policeman's conduct after a YouTube video in which he was seen striking Andishae Akhavan Kharazi two years ago was uploaded, CBC reported.
Bhabha said he was trying to arrest the cyclist because he ran a red light in Yaletown and was not wearing a helmet.
Kharazi testified that when his arm was twisted behind his back, he turned his head and was punched, leaving him with a chipped tooth, a cut lip and injuries to his neck and jaw.
He also said that he did not recall running any lights on his bike and said he normally stops for lights.
A bystander filmed the confrontation and the footage sparked outrage on YouTube.
In the video, Kharazi was seen asking Bhabha, "Why did you punch me?" to which Bhabha replied, "Because you were resisting. I was trying to put my cuffs on you and you pulled your arm away."
Kharazi, however, testified he never resisted arrest or raised his voice, and only moved his arms involuntarily when the officer twisted his arms behind his back while attempting to handcuff him.
West Vancouver police had conducted an independent investigation and recommended Bhabha be charged with assault, and further police investigation was suspended at the time.
Police have said the video captured only part of the incident and that Kharazi was "allegedly confrontational with police," and "escalated the situation."
The officers arrested Bhabha for his misconduct. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November.
