RNC officer Doug Snelgrove has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty almost seven years ago.

Justice Vikas Khaladkar sentenced Snelgrove to four years in prison, but he could be eligible for day parole in less than a year.

He also gets credit for the 44-plus days served since late September, when he was taken into custody for the first time since he charged in 2015.

The four-year sentence is just shy of the five years sought by the Crown, but double what the defence felt was appropriate.

The maximum is 10 years in prison.

Until now, Snelgrove has been suspended from the force.

Snelgrove was a 10-year veteran of the RNC when he drove the victim home from downtown and sexually assaulted her in her apartment on December 20, 2014.

It was the third trial in the case, after the first two were thrown out due to judges’ errors.

There were tears of exhaustion and relief for the victim, her friends and family today.

Meanwhile, the judge noted that since he was a police officer at the time, Snelgrove will likely spend his entire sentence in protective custody.

The RNC Responds to Verdict

The RNC says because the appeal period is now in progress, it would be inappropriate for the Constabulary to provide discussion related to the matter prior to the conclusion of all court processes.

The RNC says it is bound by the RNC Act as it relates to any disciplinary process involving a police officer.

The process must follow the conclusion of a criminal proceeding.

The RNC directs any person experiencing trauma to seek assistance and support by contacting the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre at 1-800-726-2743.