One of the men who was part of a hostile mob at the Abbotsford Arts Centre during the night of a Punjabi comedy show early this year has been given a year of probation.
Chamkaur Sidhu, 37, pleaded guilty to a charge of mischief in Abbotsford Provincial Court on Friday afternoon.
Sidhu smashed the window of the arts centre on the night of March 18. He was part of a crowd that became increasingly unruly as they were told the show was full, that they would not be given admission, and the doors were locked.
His lawyer, Jack Harris, said Sidhu was among the many who had purchased a ticket, but were denied admission. Other patrons showed up earlier, and their children were given seats, even though they had not purchased tickets for them. Those who arrived later with tickets could not get in.
Harris said his client, who was among a large group that was drinking prior to the show, was banging on the door window when the glass shattered. The surging crowd behind him pushed Sidhu into the broken glass. He rolled up his sleeve, showing the court a scar on his arm where the glass cut him.
“I suppose it’s a good lesson,” remarked Judge W. Young.
Sidhu works with his brothers in a flooring business and also does restoration work.
“He did not go down there that evening to cause any trouble,” noted Harris.
He was granted a conditional discharge on the mischief charge. He will be on probation for 12 months with orders to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, not consume or possess alcohol, and not possess any weapons or firearms.
He came to court with a cheque for $545 to pay the Abbotsford Board of Education for the window.
Jasminder Sidhu, 35, was also to appear Friday on charges of causing bodily harm and assault with intent to resist arrest, from the same incident, but his case was put over until Sept. 29.
