Click to watch video

One year ago Philly, a 2 and a half-year-old horse, was weakened from starvation and lacked the energy to lift herself onto a trailer.

KHOU - TV

The images were disturbing and heartbreaking.

Former Precinct 7 deputy constable Gerald Johnson was convicted of animal cruelty.

It took a jury only 45 minutes to reach a verdict.

“I took no pleasure in trying this case because he was a peace officer.  But people from all walks of life commit crimes and justice requires that everyone be treated equally,” said Assistant D.A. Belinda Smith.

After going over the conditions of probation Johnson was the only defendant allowed to leave thru a back door avoiding television cameras.

“I believe he was not guilty. And I don’t believe the jury should have found him guilty, but I have to accept the decision of the jury,” said David Eisen who is Johnson’s attorney.

Johnson's conviction means his license is suspended for 20 years.

That's the norm for a class a misdemeanor conviction.

Johnson was sentenced to one year probation and 20 days behind bars.

He’s to report the Harris County Jail Monday morning.