Derek Chauvin sentencing: Ex-officer sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison for George Floyd murder

“We don’t want to see no more slaps on the wrist, we’ve been through that already,” he said.

“In my community, in my culture, we’ve been through that already. Smacked on the wrist. No, no, no, no, no. Because if this, if it was us, if the roles were reversed, there would have been no case, it would have been open and shut, we’d have been under the jail for murdering somebody, so we aske for that same penalty for Derek Chauvin.”

“George’s life mattered, so my family and I, most of all my niece Gianna, asking that you please find it suitable to give Mr Chauvin the maximum sentence possible, charge that he has been found guilty for. My family and I have been given a life sentence, we will never be able to get George back,” he said.

“Please help us find closure by giving Chauvin the maximum sentence possible, making sure he does his time consecutively, without the possibilities of parole, probation or getting out early for good behaviour.”

Prosecutor Matthew Frank asked the judge to consider four aggravating factors when sentencing Derek Chauvin, calling for a “greatly increased” sentence for abusing his position of trust as a police officer.

He cited four aggravating factors that justify a “greatly increased” sentence, citing Supreme Court precedent where one aggravating factor lead to double the standard sentence.

He asked for 360 months prison, or 30 years,

“I miss him all the time,” she said. “I want to play with him, have fun, go on a plane ride and that’s it.”

Carolyn Pawlenty s says her son devoted 19 years of his life to the Minneapolis Police Department, and that everything said by the media, public, and prosecution team about being an aggressive, heartless and uncaring person was not true.

“My son’s identity has also been reduced to that of a racist,” she said. “None of these things are true and that my son is a good man.”

“He has a big heart and he always has put others before his own. The public will never know the loving and caring man that he is. But his family does.”

Even though I have not spoken publicly, I have always supported him 100 per cent and always will.

“Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day. I have seen the toll it has taken on him.”

Defence attorney Eric Nelson said whatever sentence Judge Peter Cahill decides, half will believe it’s too lenient and half too draconian or overbearing.

“This case is at the epicentre of a cultural and political divide. We tried to keep a lot of that out of the courtroom throughout the trial and make this case about the facts,” he said. “But we recognize what has happened as a result of this case.”

He said the intensity of public interest could not be overstated and he has received over 5000 emails, 1000 voice mails, and hundreds of hand-written letters from “both sides.”

He said the impact on the country has gone far beyond the day George Floyd died.

“It has weaved its way into nearly every facet of our lives, from the entertainment that we consume to the presidential politics,” he said. “From protests to conspiracy theories”.

Defence attorney Eric Nelson revealed Derek Chauvin was not scheduled to work the day he encountered George Floyd, but volunteered the police department was short on staff.

“I know from numerous conversations that I’ve had with Derek, that his brain is littered with ‘what ifs’,” Nelson said.

“What if I did not agree to go in that day. What if things had gone differently. What if I never responded to that call. What if, what if, what if.”

In an unexpected move, Derek Chauvin addressed the court to express sympathies to the family of George Floyd.

“I want to give my condolences to Floyd family, there’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”

The comments were short and preceded with the caveat that “due to some additional legal matters at hand” he wasn’t able to give a full formal statement.

He was likely referring to the civil rights case brought against him by the Department of Justice, which legal observers expected would prevent Chauvin from speaking at today’s sentencing to avoid incriminating himself.

Judge Peter Cahill will return shortly after considering submissions.

“It is truly appreciated that you took the time to stay with this case and provide me with input,” Cahill told the Floyd family.

He said his comments would come in a 22-page order, to make clear the legal analysis behind his determination.

“I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies. And I acknowledge and hear the pain you are feeling,” he said.