Ex police officer pleads guilty to manslaughter of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin was previously convicted of the murder of Floyd.

Former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.

The 38-year-old appeared before Judge Peter Cahill in Hennepin County Court, Minnesota, on Wednesday to enter the plea.

State prosecutors have recommended a three-year prison sentence.

As part of the plea deal, Lane will have a count of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder dismissed. Alongside two other ex-officers, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, Lane was previously convicted on federal charges of wilfully violating Floyd's rights during the restraint that led to his death in May 2020. The federal sentencing has not yet been set. Meanwhile, their former colleague, Derek Chauvin, was convicted on state charges of murder and sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty last year to the same federal charge of violating Floyd's civil rights and faces a federal sentence ranging from 20 to 25 years. "I am pleased Thomas Lane has accepted responsibility for his role in Floyd’s death," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement on Wednesday. "His acknowledgment he did something wrong is an important step toward healing the wounds of the Floyd family, our community, and the nation. "While accountability is not justice, this is a significant moment in this case and a necessary resolution on our continued journey to justice." In 2020, Floyd's death sparked protests worldwide against police brutality and racial injustice.