Swedish cop fined over salad, keeps badge

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 22 (UPI) -- A Swedish police officer was convicted of bribery for soliciting a free salad from a restaurant owner he had pulled over.

The officer testified that he had been kidding around when he proposed tearing up the traffic ticket in exchange for some greens from the motorist's restaurant.

"He gave me the salad anyway," testified the officer, whose name was not revealed. "I think we wanted to gain some new customers."

The Local said the restaurant owner testified he was happy to avoid a hefty fine for not wearing his seat belt but felt a little uneasy and told a friend about the transaction. The friend then went to the police.

The conviction carries a $3,100 fine, but the Gothenburg police department decided the conviction wasn't that serious and won't fire the officer.