An officer with the Alberta RCMP who physically assaulted two teenage boys in a hotel room during a social gathering involving alcohol committed a peculiar “self-destructive act,” as stated by a Calgary judge who issued a conditional discharge on Friday. Const. Bridget Morla initially faced charges of sexual assault but later pleaded guilty to common assault in May.
The sentencing hearing, presided over by Court of King’s Bench Justice Nick Devlin, highlighted the unusual nature of the incident that occurred on December 3, 2022, describing it as an isolated occurrence not typical of Morla’s behavior. Under the terms of the conditional discharge, Morla will be considered guilty of an offense, but no criminal conviction will be registered if she complies with the conditions of her 18-month probation, which include completing 50 hours of community service and attending counseling sessions.
Morla confessed during her plea that she engaged in inappropriate physical contact with two teenage boys in an Airdrie hotel room on the aforementioned date. While off duty, Morla was present at a youth hockey tournament in Airdrie, where she was socializing with players, parents, and other supervisors in a hotel room.
One of the boys, aged 16, reported Morla touching his shoulders, thighs, and accidentally his groin, to which he immediately expressed discomfort and surprise. The other boy, aged 17, was tickled by Morla, who then placed her fingers inside his pants’ waistband. The prosecutor characterized the incidents as being of relatively low violence and intrusion levels, describing the situation as “unique and nuanced.”
Both complainants opted not to testify and expressed no resentment towards Morla. In recommending the conditional discharge, both the Crown and defense attorney John Benkendorf acknowledged the significant personal and professional repercussions Morla has faced. Apart from enduring substantial media coverage, Morla has been suspended without pay by the RCMP pending an internal conduct inquiry.
During her court statement, Morla expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for her actions, acknowledging the harm caused and the necessary changes to be made in her behavior and mindset.