Bob Garland pleaded guilty in provincial court in Corner Brook on Tuesday to a charge of sexual assault. Bob Garland pleaded guilty in provincial court in Corner Brook on Tuesday to a charge of sexual assault. (CBC)

A senior Newfoundland and Labrador police officer has been given a conditional discharge and placed on probation after being convicted of sexual assault.

Bob Garland, 50, was sentenced Wednesday in provincial court in Corner Brook.

Judge Joseph Woodrow also ordered that Garland must provide a DNA sample to police.

Garland was in charge of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary police force in Corner Brook and western Labrador when he committed the offence. He changed his plea to guilty Tuesday after pleading not guilty at a previous court appearance.

In an agreed statement of facts, Garland admitted to touching the thigh of a female officer, and putting his hand down her top.

A misconduct complaint was filed in 2008. Garland was charged with sexual assault in October of 2008. The female officer can't be identified because a court-ordered publication ban.

Garland resigned his position with the RNC in 2008 following an investigation into the misconduct complaint by the Ontario Provincial Police.

During a lengthy career with the RNC, Garland held senior positions in St. John's, Corner Brook and western Labrador, and at one time served as the force's spokesman.

When his one-year probation ends, Garland will not have a criminal record.