Monserrate Gets Probation In Assault Rap

There will be no jail time for New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate, a Democrat, who was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend. The assault was captured in part on video. However, instead of jail time, he'll be getting probation.

State Sen. Hiram Monserrate was sentenced to three years probation for dragging his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras.

The sentencing Friday also included 250 hours of community service and 52 weeks of domestic abuse counseling. An order of protection was continued.

Third-degree reckless assault, a misdemeanor, could have resulted in up to a year behind bars.

His girlfriend was in court for the sentencing.

The Queens Supreme Court Judge William M. Erlbaum had stern words for both Monserrate and his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo.

"She's not on a leash," he told Monserrate. "She doesn't need your permission for anything. Curb your anger, curb your anger."

Erlbaum also said that the "legislature has in its chamber a flawed human being. Perhaps there are others."

For Giraldo, he said, "I hope the time will come with Karla Giraldo will have the self respect to stop acting like a slave."

It's a slap on the wrist, and the judge's "stern" words are little comfort.