A former Suffolk police officer took the stand Tuesday in the trial of former District Attorney Thomas Spota and his former aide, and admitted he took part in the assault of suspect Christopher Loeb along with former Police Chief James Burke.

Kenneth Bombace is now retired and has immunity from prosecution. He testified he felt tremendous pressure to get a confession out of Loeb because Loeb had broken into Burke's car and stolen a duffel bag that contained sex toys and pornography.

Bombace did testify that he assaulted Loeb and took part in the cover up. He said everything was orchestrated, including which of the officers would testify to a special prosecutor. He said he assumed it was District Attorney Thomas Spota and his former aide Christopher McPartland.

Loeb sat through Tuesday's testimony and heard officers admit they originally lied.

"How could you be afraid?" said Loeb. "And you're free to giving testimony about something that happened in your department and then you get promoted to lieutenant."

McPartland and Spota are charged with obstruction of justice. Their attorneys have denied the allegations, saying they did not know what Burke had done.

Bombace will continue his testimony Wednesday morning.

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