Former Inkster police officer William Melendez was sentenced to 13 months to 10 years in prison for the beating of Floyd Dent last January.

Judge Vonda Evans allowed credit for the 85 days Melendez already spent in prison.

And before Melendez was sentenced, he spoke to the court and apologized to Dent and those who believe his actions were unjust.

Melendez encouraged people to have faith in law enforcement officers, hoping no one holds animosity toward those whose job it is to protect and serve.

In January, 2015, Dent rolled his Cadillac through a stop sign and Melendez pulled him over, accusing him of having just left a motel known for drug deals.

Video shows Melendez punching Dent 16 times in just 10 seconds during that traffic stop.

After a 12-day trial in November, a jury found the former Inkster police officer guilty of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and misconduct in office.

Melendez declined to testify in his own defense.

His attorney telling 7 Action News at the time that the punches were “justified" because he said Dent made suspicious moves inside his car when he was pulled over and resisted arrest.

Melendez is appealing his conviction.