MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, was sentenced Monday to 4 years and 9 months even as he denied wrongdoing.

Thao had testified that he merely served as a human traffic cone when he held back concerned bystanders who gathered as former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyds neck for 9 1/2 minutes while the Black man pleaded for his life on May 25, 2020.

A bystander video captured Floyds fading cries of I cant breathe.

At the sentencing hearing, Thao spoke at length about his growth as a Christian during his 340 days behind bars. He said he was distressed by Floyds death but denied any role in it.

I did not commit these crimes, Thao said. My conscience is clear. I will not be a Judas nor join a mob in self-preservation or betray my God.