Deputies slapped handcuffs on “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis, after prosecutors slammed him for calling jurors “mentally retarded.”
The smut-peddling Francis was sentenced to 270 days in jail following his conviction for a 2011 confrontation with three women he picked up at an LA club.
Francis won’t have to serve time immediately as Superior Court Judge Nancy Newman allowed him to remain free on a $250,000 bond while his request for a new trial is heard.
As his pretty blond girlfriend Abby Wilson watched, Francis politely thanked Judge Newman “for her time” after she sentenced him to immediate anger management counseling, plus eventual jail time and three years probation.
Due to jail overcrowding, Francis will probably only spend a fraction of 270 days, actually locked behind bars.
Francis still had to be handcuffed and booked into custody before his bail bondsman had him sprung almost six hours later, according to jail records.
Back in May, Francis was convicted on five misdemeanor charges — three counts of false imprisonment and one count each of assault and dissuading a witness from reporting.
Three women Francis met at Hollywood club in 2011 claimed he took them back to his mansion and wouldn’t let them leave.
“I did believe the women were very credible and consistent in their testimony,” Newman said.
“This was a frightening situation for them.”
Although Francis declined to address the court, Deputy City Attorney Mitchell Fox jumped at the chance to remind Judge Newman of Francis’ disdain for jurors who convicted him.
Fox recounted offensive statements Francis made to the Hollywood Reporter shortly after his conviction.
“’Wealthy people don’t kidnap people and bring them to a party,’” Francis told the trade pub. “’Just because a jury is mentally retarded and jealous of who I am, that jury — ‘you should be in jail, you stupid idiots.’ ”
Fox urged Judge Newman to consider Francis’ hateful words.
“He said what he believed to be the truth,” Fox said. “He’s a violent man who has no remorse.”
The three women testified at a two-week jury trial – which Francis did not attend – that he and his driver forced them into his SUV after last call at the Supper Club and took them against their will to his mansion in Bel Air.
One of the women claimed Francis “choke-slammed” to the floor and repeatedly bashed her head.
Another victim testified: “It was the scariest moment of my life. I just wanted it to end. I just wanted help.”
At the end of the night, Francis allegedly told them: “You’re trespassing. Get off my property.”
Judge Newman said the evidence is clear that Francis can’t keep his cool.
“The court also believes that the defendant is in need of anger management classes and psychological counseling,” Newman said.
“The court is concerned with the defendant’s ability to monitor his temper – the consequences of which can be significant to him. My hope always is that individuals will learn from their experiences.”
Defense lawyer David Houston said the three women could have left at any time, and lied about not having cell phone service.
Houston described his client as “kind, generous and giving” and said Francis unfairly has a bad reputation.
“He created a brand, and that brand has come to define him,” Houston said.