'I'm sorry': Saskatoon woman seen in FreshCo arrest video apologizes to guard
A Saskatoon woman, whose altercation with a security guard was captured in a widely-shared video, made a tearful apology in court Wednesday morning.
Annette Custer apologized to security guard Cameron McMillan in a Saskatoon Provincial Courtroom, more than two years after their physical altercation was recorded and posted online.
The video — recorded on April 14, 2021 outside a Saskatoon FreshCo — shows McMillan on top of Custer, attempting to detain her for stealing food.
In June, Custer was found guilty of assault and theft in connection with the incident.
Judge Doug Agnew ruled McMillan acted within his rights, making a legal citizen’s arrest.
Agnew said McMillan was entitled to use reasonable force to detain Custer until a police officer arrived.
As a result of the video, McMillan was subject to thousands of comments online and criticism from some local leaders. He was fired from his job and has his security license was revoked. McMillan's license has since been restored.
“I’m sorry you had to go through such traumas, and that my choices hurt your life,” Custer said, standing in front of the judge, crying.
“I wish for you, that your loved ones, family and friends hold no ill will against you. For you are not the problem. It is my wrongdoing that put you in a position that no one should have to experience.”
Custer received a six-month conditional discharge for assault and theft. She must complete 40 hours of community service, not have contact with McMillan and report to her probation officer.
If Custer completes that period of probation, without committing further offences, she will not have a criminal record.
“It was quite the turnaround, actually. After what was said in the pre-sentence report, to what was said today in court. It was clear that she truly meant what she said,” Crown prosecutor Melodi Kujawa said.
Kujawa and defence lawyer Chris Murphy had a joint position on the Custer’s sentencing.
“It allows Ms. Custer to go forward with her life and not be saddled with a criminal conviction,” Murphy told reporters,
Murphy said Custer was stealing a roast to feed her son. He argued Custer should not be held responsible for the fallout that ensued from the video posted online.
“Mr. McMillan suffered significant consequences professionally because of public opinion … because of what politicians and community leaders said. That's not what Ms. Custer did,” Murphy said.
Kujawa said she plans on sharing the details of Custer’s apology with McMillan, who was not present in court on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978490.1721989018!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO says soccer coach Bev Priestman likely aware of spying
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker says the head coach of the national women's soccer team was likely aware drones were used to spy on another team's practices in France.
DEVELOPING Recent rain, cooler weather limiting spread of wildfires in Jasper National Park
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.