Former Saskatchewan Roughriders manager Eric Tillman achieved hero status after leading the CFL to a Grey Cup in 2007 and was popular with fans. During his tenure, there were several high-profile conflicts with the law involving players. After pleading guilty to a charge of sexual assault on a l6-year-old baby sitter, Tillman managed to avoid a criminal record when justice was not served. A judiciary system is corrupt when the rich and famous get preferential treatment re an alleged crime.
One ploy that was used engaged the fact that often the longer time that offences can drag on in the court system, the more likely the issue will seem to fade away. Almost one and a half years ago, on Aug. 6, 2008, a 16-year-old babysitter was allegedly sexually assaulted by Tillman while in his service. There has to be evidence to support a charge before a charge can proceed. In this case, that evidence was there at that time — according to a police officer. However, Regina police confirmed that Tillman was not charged formally until almost six months after the alleged offence, on Jan. 27, 2009.
Almost one year later, on Jan. 4, 2010, Tillman pled guilty to the charge in question and it was then that his trial on a summary offence began. His first appearance in Regina provincial court lasted less than a minute. Prosecutor Mitch Crumley told court the crown will proceed summarily against Tillman, aged 5l — implying the allegations were considered less serious. A summary conviction for sexual assault carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail, while an indictable conviction carries a maximum sentence of l0 years.
On Jan. 4, a court decision was handed down. It was despicable that any judge would hand down an absolute discharge to an alleged sex offender who had previously pled guilty to the offence. Tillman had been left on the lam for an extended period of time. In the meantime, a message had thus been sent to other child sex deviants that such offences are considered trivial.
The excuses presented by Tillman, that he was remorseful, felt loopy and impaired, were not acceptable. What would have been acceptable is for Tillman to have received a criminal record, jail time plus a fine. Shame on what is called a ‘justice system.’
Audrey Jensen
Red Deer