Ex-guard at New York’s Rikers Jail Sentenced 30 Years for Inmate Death

Brian Coll, former Rikers Island guard, accused of causing the death of an inmate in 2012 after repeatedly kicking him in the head, is shown in this New York City Department of Investigation photo released in New York on Nov. 23, 2016. New York City Department of Investigation/Handout via REUTERS

NEW YORK—A former guard at New York City’s troubled Rikers Island jail complex was sentenced on Wednesday to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of violating the civil rights of an inmate by kicking him repeatedly in the head, causing his death.

Brian Coll, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan, after being convicted in December by a federal jury of causing the death of 52-year-old inmate Ronald Spear.