Official’s son gets probation

Stephen Leece, son of Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece, is on three years informal probation and must participate in a domestic violence program after being convicted of violence against his girlfriend.

Leece, 28, pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor corporal injury to his girlfriend following his arrest June 3 on suspicion he had beat her and her 9-year-old son during an argument at the girlfriend’s home.

Prosecutors dropped child abuse and vandalism charges against Leece “in the interest of justice,” said Orange County District Attorney spokeswoman Farrah Emami.

Leece was sentenced to a domestic violence program, three years informal probation, 25 days in jail with credit for time served and eight hours of community service. The court also issued a protective order mandating he stay away from the victim, Emami said.

Police said they were called to Leece’s girlfriend’s house June 3 after an argument between the two turned physical. Authorities said he had pushed the girlfriend and violently shoved and pulled her 9-year-old son around the house when he tried to intervene. Leece fled the home after officers were called, but he surrendered to them later that day, authorities said.