A Madonna-obsessed ex-city firefighter was sentenced today to three years probation for resisting arrest outside the star’s Central Park West building two years ago.
Robert Linhart, an FDNY veteran for 20 years, had been busted while painting love notes in big block letters on giant wooden boards on the sidewalk below. He left Manhattan Supreme Court today complaining that Madonna had sicced her security guards on him for no reason.
“I’m a little disappointed that she sent her security after me, even though she advocates free speech for those women in Russia,” said Linhart, referring to the singer’s advocacy on behalf of jailed members of a Russian punk band.
“She didn’t believe in my right to free speech,” complained Linhart, 61, who retired in ’98 from Ladder 30 in Harlem.
Asked if he still carried a torch for the star, Linhart patted his chest and said, “She’s still here.” He added wryly, “She’s still where she is — enjoying her life with her 24-year-old boyfriend.”
Cops and prosecutors had initially thrown the book at Linhart, busting him on Central Park West twice in September 2010 and charging him with felony weapons possession for an awl and a utility “gravity” knife he had — charges that were later dismissed.
Two months ago, Linhart was acquitted of resisting arrest in the first September incident, after jurors found the police testimony not credible.
He was convicted of resisting during the second September arrest, but insists he was unable to put his arms behind his back only because cops had torn his rotator cuff during the first arrest.
Linhart is appealing the conviction, said his lawyer, Lawrence LaBrew.