The former communications director for Nova Scotia’s Premier says he’s paid dearly for a flash of anger that led him to slap an ex-girlfriend, but he deserves the price he’s had to pay.

Kyley Harris was handed a nine-month conditional discharge on Monday.

Last May, Halifax police were called to a domestic assault.

The court heard that Harris’ relationship was coming to an end, and the couple had been arguing over the phone.  He went home to collect his belongings, the argument continued, got heated and Harris struck the woman.

She called police and the investigating officer noticed a fresh red mark on her face.

Today, Harris told the court what he did was inexcusable and disgraceful.

“Twenty seconds that have cost me nearly everything.” said Harris.

“My job, my relationship, my reputation, my ability to provide for my daughter … The cost has been steep, and so it should be.”

Harris pleaded guilty to assault back in December.

He had no prior criminal record, and his lawyer says he took it upon himself to enroll in counselling for alcohol dependency and anger management.

Crown Prosecutor Sean McCarroll indicated that factored in to the sentence.

“The measures that Mr. Harris has taken both through counselling to realize that he has some areas that  he needs to address and taking it upon himself to seek the help that he needs, certainly had a major role in the crown’s decision.” said McCarroll.

The conditional discharge will mean once time has been served, Harris will have no criminal record.

Defence Lawyer Michael Scott says this is recognition by the court that the offence was on the very lowest end of the scale in terms of seriousness.

“Obviously he’s lost everything he’s worked for,” said Scott “He’s lost his job, his income, his reputation.”

Harris says he’s relieved to finally be able to take responsibility for his actions.

“I had been granted the privilege to work in the Office of the Premier and hold a post that few individuals have held in this province.” said Harris “I failed to uphold the standard of that office.  I let those people down, and I regret that.”

In addition to the nine-month conditional discharge, Harris will have to perform 30 hours of community service, and follow a number of conditions.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster