HARRISBURG — A district judge who punched an off-duty police sergeant at a birthday party must serve a nine-month suspension from the bench without pay.

Willow Street District Judge Maynard A. Hamilton Jr. must also serve a year of probation for the June 10, 2006, altercation at the Cross Gates Golf Course in Lancaster County.

Hamilton summoned Southern Regional Police Sgt. Robert C. Buser from a pavilion and punched him twice.

Two days before the fight, Hamilton had reacted angrily when Buser could not produce a year's worth of police rosters.