A judge has handed a veteran Toronto detective a 90-day jail term for beating up and breaking the arm of a man in police custody seven years ago.

Christopher Higgins, 41, described by superiors as a role model, was also sentenced to a year’s probation by provincial court Judge Lucia Favret in front of 35 of his peers in a Finch Ave. W. courtroom Tuesday.

The hulking detective showed no emotion, nodding when the judge read out the terms of his probation, which include anger counselling.

A fellow officer quickly took him into custody, forgoing the usual handcuffs.

In her decision, the judge noted that Higgins is considered a leader among officers.

But she found it an aggravating factor that he was leading a drug investigation when he assaulted the prisoner, then covered it up rather than getting the man the medical attention he urgently required.

“His callous disregard for the prisoner was the example he set that day,” Favret said.

Police officers are the public’s first line of contact with the judicial system, she said. “Citizens expect police to respect the law, not be above the law.”

The judge took into account the toll the seven-year judicial process has taken on Higgins and the fact he may lose his job once jailed.

He will appeal his conviction and sentence, his appeal lawyer, Alan Gold, said later.

Three hours after he was sentenced, a Superior Court judge, on consent of the Crown, granted him bail pending appeal. He returns to court June 7.

Last summer, Favret found Higgins guilty of assault causing bodily harm to Gary Shuparski, 50, a small-time drug dealer.

It was the second trial in this case for the former drug squad officer, who has remained on duty since he was charged in 2004.

Higgins was first acquitted in 2005, but the Crown appealed and a Superior Court judge ordered a new trial.

In the first trial, the 120-lb. Shuparski testified that the 275-lb officer angrily beat and kicked him “like a football” after he made a snide remark in a 51 Division interview room on April 1, 2004.

Shuparski has since died of a drug overdose.

After the sentencing, Higgins’ trial lawyer, Gary Clewley, said he was disappointed at the jail term, which he said would likely lead to the detective being fired. “He’s a very fine officer.”

Clewley had asked the judge to impose a suspended sentence.

Crown prosecutor John McInnes urged imprisonment for three to six months.

Toronto police spokesperson Mark Pugash said Higgins will report to his division Wednesday, when a decision will be made about whether he remains on active duty.

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Higgins has also been charged with two police disciplinary infractions arising from the assault: unnecessary use of force against a prisoner and discreditable conduct.

These charges would not be dealt with until his criminal appeal is complete, Pugash said.

It would be up to a disciplinary tribunal whether he loses his job, Pugash said.