ORANGEBURG, S.C. - A former state trooper who could have faced 20 years in prison for assaulting two suspects in handcuffs has been found guilty of a lesser charge and sent to jail for 60 days.

Chad Williams, 29, testified in his own defense at this week's trial, admitting his fear and frustration boiled over after three suspects ran from in during a traffic stop in Orangeburg County in July 2003.

A trooper backing up Williams caught two of the men, and Williams, who had unsuccessfully ran after the other suspect, said his lost his temper when he saw Travis Johnson and Anthony Robbins handcuffed and on their knees in front of a police cruiser.

"When they looked up, they had little grins on their faces," Williams said. "I did strike the subject, and shove the other one on the ground. I'm put in a position I've never felt before. I was scared, I was emotional."

The incident was captured by the patrol car's camera.

Williams was charged with aggravated assault and could have faced up to 20 years in prison. Instead, the jury found him guilty of simple assault.

Circuit Court Judge James Williams said the trooper deserved to serve the maximum punishment of 30 days in jail on each charge.

"I can't think of anything more despicable than to strike an individual who is on the ground," the judge said. "This sentence is consecutive, please take him away."

Chad Williams resigned from the Highway Patrol shortly after his arrest. He still faces a separate assault charge for striking a suspect in March 2003. That case is pending, prosecutors said.

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Information from: The Times & Democrat, http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/