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.