A Leduc RCMP officer who pleaded guilty to assault earlier this year has been sentenced. Constable Bridget Morla, 40, was initially charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with incidents that happened while she was off-duty at an Airdrie hotel room in December 2023. A joint submission was presented to the justice during Morla’s sentencing hearing in Calgary on Friday afternoon. The justice was asked to consider a conditional discharge with 18 months probation. That would mean Morla would not have a criminal record after the probation period. The Crown suggested consideration be given to Morla accepting responsibility through a guilty plea in advance of a trial. While there were no victim impact statements, the Crown said the two complainants expressed relief at not having to attend or testify at a trial. “This was impulsive and out of character for Mrs. Morla,” Crown Prosecutor Sandra Christensen-Moore said, adding “alcohol did play a significant factor.” The Crown also pointed out the significance of collateral consequences given the public attention to the case and Morla’s career as a police officer is in jeopardy. Morla’s lawyer told the court the media attention has resulted in a lot of online hatred towards his client. He said she is suspended without pay and has an upcoming disciplinary hearing with the RCMP. Before a decision, Morla was given a chance to address the court. She apologized to the court, the RCMP, colleagues, family and everyone else impacted. “I’ve had to face the fact that my actions didn’t just affect me,” she said through tears. “I take full responsibility,” she added. During the decision, the court heard the assault happened against two 17-year-old boys during what the justice called “a boozy social event.” He said brief, unwanted sexual and physical contact was made with the boys. While the justice acknowledged the behaviour is extremely serious he said context is everything. “What Mrs.Morla did was both out of character, but to some extent bizarre,” said Justice Nicholas Devlin. He said the “self-destructive act” has had devastating personal and potentially professional impacts for Morla, adding he believes it was a “bizarre one-off.” The justice said the complainants were more troubled by the fact someone in a position such as Morla’s would act this way. The justice also said performance reviews submitted to the court noted Morla’s skill and professionalism in doing her job - suggesting she was a good officer. He granted the conditional discharge and probation term. “I hope you are able to bring your life together and move forward constructively,” Justice Devlin said. In addition to probation Morla will have to complete 50 hours of community service and attend counselling as directed.
