Policeman will serve 3 months jail after today (23.07.08) losing his appeal.

A former Victorian police officer has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for committing perjury.

The County Court heard former officer Troy Holmes, 33, gave false evidence to protect two security guards he knew personally.

In 2003, Holmes told the Magistrates Court he witnessed an assault on a number of patrons outside a Melbourne nightclub that the two guards were charged over.

A police investigation later found that Holmes did not witness the assault and intentionally lied in court.

In sentencing, Judge Jennifer Coates said perjury is generally considered a most serious offence that deserves a prison term.

But she took into account that Holmes's wife was pregnant with their fourth child and any period of incarceration would cause hardship to his family.

He will serve a minimum of three months in prison.

Source: ABC Online Original Story 20.03.08