George Floyd's murderer sentenced to over 22 years
The US white ex-police officer convicted of murdering African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 has been sentenced to 22 years and half a year in jail.
The judge said Derek Chauvin's sentence was based "on your abuse of a posture of trust and authority, plus the particular cruelty shown" to Mr Floyd.
Mr Floyd, 48, died after Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes.
His murder caused global protests against racism and police brutality.
Chauvin, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges last month. During his trial, his lawyer described the killing as "one made in good faith".
Chauvin was also told to join up as a predatory offender and was barred from owning firearms forever.
He and three other former officers are separately charged with violating George Floyd's civil rights.
The Floyd family and their supporters welcomed the sentence.
"This historic sentence brings the Floyd family and our nation one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability," legal professional Ben Crump tweeted.
Mr Floyd's sister Bridgett Floyd said the sentence "implies that matters of police brutality are finally being taken seriously" but there is still "quite a distance to go".
President Joe Biden said the sentence "appeared to be appropriate" but admitted that he did not know all the details.
Through the sentencing hearing, Mr Floyd's brother Terrence Floyd demanded the maximum available, a sentence of 40 years.
"Why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother's neck?" he said.
Mr Floyd's daughter Gianna, aged seven, appeared in a video recording, saying she missed him and she loved him.
"I enquire about him all the time," she said. "My daddy always used to help me brush my teeth."
The judge said the case had been painful for the city and the united states, but above all, for Mr Floyd's family.
"What the sentence is not predicated on is emotion, or sympathy, but concurrently, I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family," said Judge Peter Cahill.
