The former Mississippi police officer, Hunter Elward, has been sentenced to 20 years for his role in torturing two black men in their own home.

Elward is the first of six officers due to be sentenced this week.

The victims were beaten, shocked with stun guns, and sexually assaulted by the officers who burst in without a warrant in 2023. One of them was also shot in the mouth.

The group pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses in August.

Elward's sentencing will be followed by the other five: Christian Dedmon, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Daniel Opydke, and Joshua Hartfield.