US sheriff sentenced for dispute with wife

San Francisco: San Francisco's sheriff has been sentenced to three years' probation and must undergo a domestic violence programme for a New Year's Eve dispute with his Venezuelan actress wife.

Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi's sentence today was part of a deal struck with prosecutors over allegations that he bruised his wife's arm.

Mirkarimi initially faced multiple misdemeanour charges, including domestic violence battery. That could've landed him in prison for up to a year, if convicted.

The sheriff must now undergo a domestic violence programme for the New Year\'s Eve dispute with his Venezuelan actress wife.

Instead he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanour count of false imprisonment. The move came after a round of pretrial testimony about his love life and images released of his tearful wife, Eliana Lopez, with the bruised bicep.

Mirkarimi still could face political repercussions. Mayor Ed Lee has said he's considering whether to attempt removing the sheriff from office.

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