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Posted: Tuesday, 02 June 2009 6:56PM
Abbate guilty of beating bartender
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Cop says he attacked bartender in self-defense
CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- A Chicago police officer was convicted Tuesday of aggravated battery after he was caught on tape attacking a female bartender.
Anthony Abbate had been charged with beating Karolina Obrycka at Jesse's Shortstop Inn on the Northwest Side on Feb. 19, 2007.
Abbate was originally charged with multiple felonies including aggravated battery in a public place, official misconduct, intimidation and communicating with a witness. The judge dropped several charges and then convicted Abbate of the battery charge.
Abbate's defense attorney argued that his client, who often bragged about his muscles, was actually the one who was tossed around "like a rag doll.'' Prosecutors maintained that it was the officer who was the bully, repeatedly punching Obrycka behind the bar, and the judge on Tuesday agreed.
A security videotape showed the 250-pound Abbate pummeling the 115-pound Obrycka -- allegedly after she refused to serve him more drinks.
Judge John Fleming rejected Abbate's claim that he was acting in self defense when he threw, punched and kicked Obrycka.
Abbate faces from probation to up to five years in prison when he's sentenced June 23. Judge Fleming denied a request to revoke his bond, and Abbate remains free.
Abbate had initially been charged with 15 counts that included official misconduct, but all were dropped before the trial's end.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS 2 News contributed to this report.
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