An Edmonton police sergeant faces assault charges over an incident that occurred in a police cell last March.

Sgt. Kevin Douglas, 41, is charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm.

Douglas is alleged to have been in an altercation on March 4, 2010, with a 46-year-old man who was lodged in cells at police headquarters in downtown Edmonton.

The 17-year veteran of the force was placed on administrative duty three days ago.

The lawyer for the man who was involved in the altercation, Erika Norheim, said her client needed plastic surgery to repair a ripped ear.

"He suffered some fractured ribs, as well, and he's been unable to work, so he was quite seriously injured," she said.

The incident was caught on video but will not be released, said acting deputy chief Neil Dubord.

"That video is before the courts, as well, so it will not be available for viewing, but we do have a copy of that video that has gone over as evidence to the courts," Dubord said.

An investigation was launched after former police chief Mike Boyd received an internal complaint.

The Edmonton police professional standards branch investigated the incident. The findings were reviewed by the Crown prosecutor's office in Calgary, which recommended charges be laid.

Douglas will make his first court appearance on Feb. 18.