The husband of Belleville, Ont.'s chief of police has been sentenced to 30 days for beating her in a high-profile case of domestic violence triggered by jealous rage.
David McMullan attacked Chief Cory McMullan twice on Aug. 6, breaking her arm in the process.
Their 17-year-old daughter was made to watch in the second attack, which took place in the garage of the family's home.
David, a 53-year-old retired police officer, pleaded guilty to the charge. In court Friday, he told Justice Peter Coulson: "I am completely disgusted with myself. I am full of shame and guilt," according to the Toronto Star.
His wife was not in the courtroom.
An agreed statement of facts accompanied the guilty plea. In it, McMullan admitted his belief that his wife was romantically involved with Belleville's mayor was groundless.
The chief and the mayor had been sitting in a car before the incident. Mayor Neil Ellis took to the airwaves in late August to categorically deny he was romantically involved with the chief.
The Crown called the attack vicious and unprovoked, while the defence said the publicity surrounding the case has added to David's punishment.
Coulson ordered that David McMullan continue to receive counselling an attend a domestic abuse course. He must also submit a DNA sample and has been banned from owning firearms for the rest of his life.
He also placed on McMullan on 18 months of probation.
David McMullan said he agreed with the sentence.
Defence lawyer Dick Borris said McMullan wanted to get the matter over with and hoped to reconcile with his wife.
"He's realistic about the outcome, he'll accept it and hope for reconciliation," Borris said. "He hopes, get back to the real world."
Crown prosecutor Rob Flummerfelt endorsed the sentence, saying, "I'm glad to see the message being sent that if you beat your wife, you're gonna go to jail."
With files from The Canadian Press
