NORTH BATTLEFORD - A former North Battleford city councillor has received a suspended sentence after previously pleading guilty to common assault.
Ross MacAngus appeared at North Battleford provincial court on Sept. 4.
MacAngus was originally facing a charge of sexual assault. He instead pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of common assault on June 25, 2025, in North Battleford provincial court.
During his sentencing hearing on Sept. 4, the court heard during an incident in April 2023 the accused inappropriately touched an adult family member, with whom he was in a position of trust, after consuming alcohol.
In a victim impact statement, the complainant said she hasn't been able to work since the incident and her health has been impacted.
"I trusted you implicitly, then you shattered that trust," she said.
In MacAngus' defence, attorney Brian Pfefferle said his client has no prior criminal record, and is in his 70s.
"He can't explain what happened... ," Pfefferle said. "He is equally devastated by his actions."
Pfefferle noted that MacAngus is an alcoholic. He had not been drinking in years but started drinking again after undergoing gallbladder surgery.
Judge Michelle Baldwin accepted a joint submission from the Crown and Defence.
She gave MacAngus a suspended sentence for common assault.
The judge said she considered MacAngus' guilty plea as a sign of taking responsibility.
"It was an assault over someone you were in a position of trust over," she said.
MacAngus was given 24 months' probation. He must not possess or consume alcohol and must participate in an addictions assessment. He must have no contact with the victim except through a lawyer.
MacAngus was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.
