The City of Montreal spent more than $170,000 in legal fees to defend former police officer Stéfanie Trudeau.

Trudeau, who was often referred to as Officer 728 because of her badge number, was recently given a suspended 12-month sentence and ordered to do 60 hours of community service after being found guilty of assaulting a man during his arrest.

Under their collective agreement, Montreal police officers facing charges incurred in the line of duty have all reasonable legal fees covered by the city.

Her lawyer, Jean-Pierre Rancourt submitted a bill for $170,141.41.

That amount was confirmed by Mayor Denis Coderre's administration.

In his decision, Quebec Court Judge Daniel Bédard said Trudeau was the instigator in the illegal arrest, and the situation escalated because of her conduct.

He added that the man she was arresting did not pose a threat to officers, and referred to Trudeau's actions as "brutal."

Rancourt, later said Trudeau feels it is an "unjust trial for her, an unjust result and unjust sentence for her."