Fired Sheriff's Deputy Returns To Job With Back Pay

DENVER (CBS4)- A Denver Sheriff's deputy, fired for attacking an inmate, will return to work with back pay.

The incident was recorded on surveillance footage in the Denver jail.

Deputy Thomas Ford said he punched the inmate because the man was drunk, unrestrained and dangerous. Ford was also accused of kicking and dragging the inmate.

The jail video showed Ford charging across the jail floor and punching prisoner Kyle Askin who had unleashed a stream of racial abuse on Ford.

He was fired for excessive force. A review by the Career Service Board says there was no kicking or dragging so the deputy was reinstated.

The Denver Safety Manager is appealing that decision.