SIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Sidney’s former police chief who was convicted of obstructing government operations.

Byron Wilkinson was convicted after pleading no contest in July and was sentenced to 30 days. Prosecutors say Wilkinson failed to pursue a case against then-city Public Works Director John Hehnke, after Hehnke’s ex-girlfriend filed a criminal complaint in January 2014. Wilkinson instead handled the matter administratively and didn’t seek charges.

Wilkinson filed an appeal in December with the Nebraska Appeals Court. Wilkinson argues that he didn’t cause any serious harm to anyone and that putting him behind bars wasn’t necessary to protect the public.

The case has been moved to the Supreme Court docket and will be heard the week of March 28.