Well, he lost his job, and his legal defense probably cost him many thousands of dollars. Even if he is “not guilty“ of assault, the process is the punishment. I rather doubt that he will do this again, and I think that it will deter a lot of other people, at least those with jobs, From trying to imitate him. I do believe that was the purpose behind bringing charges against this guy.
Personally, if somebody threw a sandwich at me, I would be very inclined to return a knuckle sandwich in his direction. I don’t think this is truly assault, but it is an infraction that deserves a response, even if only a personal one.
It’s a famous case - he probably could have raised millions of dollars for his defense if he had needed to.
Punishment for a crime is supposed to have a deterrent effect, and I will bet this has been the case. A guilty verdit and 40 hours picking up trash or a suspended sentence wouldn’t have added much.
Same jury would throw you in prision