A Calgary man caught on camera unleashing a racist tirade in a northeast Superstore last December has been sentenced to a year of probation.
Peter Andrew Simpson, 48, has pleaded guilty to one count of uttering threats.
Simpson admitted he yelled racial slurs at a cashier.
But Simpson’s defence lawyer Allan Fay said his client is not a racist.
“He was absolutely mortified by what he’s done he’s made it clear to me and I believe them that this is not who he is he is not a racist,” Fay told Global News.
WATCH: A man caught on video hurling a racist tirade at a Calgary Superstore has pleaded guilty to uttering threats. Peter Andrew Simpson is now sentenced to probation and anger management. Nancy Hixt reports.
Fay said on the day of the incident Simpson believed he was being over-charged.
“He suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. He was having dealing with pain issues as well and he lost his temper and he said some horrible things to the clerk and things he wishes he never said,” Fay explained.
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In a video that was widely shared on social media, Simpson is heard saying, “bomb-making motherf*****” to the clerk.
Simpson was also ordered to take counselling including anger management.
He also has to make a cash donation of $1,000 to charity.
Community activist Saima Jamal said the impact of the tirade has been far-reaching.
While she said she’s satisfied with the sentence, she wishes there was also a restorative justice component ordered.
“For his own personal development he should think of reaching out to these Muslim communities and will be more than welcome to accommodate him throughout his probation,” Jamal said.
Fay said Simpson has experienced some shaming on social media for the outburst, a tirade that will live online indefinitely.
“I think it will serve as a reminder to him as he moves forward that that words spoken in anger can have a lasting effect,” he said.
Charges of assault and causing a disturbance were withdrawn.
WATCH: A man caught on camera berating a Superstore employee and then pushing another person will face criminal charges, according to police. Joel Senick reports.
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