[Jesse834]

http://www.leaderpost.com/news/Eric+...825/story.html

Crown prosecutor Bill Burge said the assault occurred when Tillman pulled "the rear end of the complainant into himself" by putting his fingers in the belt loops on her hips.

"While in that position, there was physical contact that was clearly of a sexual nature," Burge said. "This occurred without the consent of the complainant, and she told the accused 'no.' "

Afterward, the teen phoned a friend, who picked her up. The girl spoke to a police officer within two days, and her father advised the Tillmans that she would no longer babysit for them.

The girl subsequently made three phone calls to Tillman, all of which were taped by police as part of their investigation into the assault. During the calls, Tillman said he didn't recall the incident.

Burge said Tillman recently sent an apology to the girl and her family.

"The complaint has accepted the apology and she would like to move on," he said. The girl did not submit a victim impact statement.

Invited by Judge Murray Hinds to speak in court, Tillman issued a series of apologies, beginning with an emotional request that the media not publish details of his father's health problems.

Tillman also apologized at length to the victim, her family, his own family, the Rider organization and the people of Saskatchewan.

"And while there are no adequate words, I apologize, your honour," he concluded. "It was very wrong."

Burge said the teenaged girl doesn't want to see Tillman lose his job, and her family doesn't believe a no-contact order is necessary.

Court also heard that Tillman is hoping to remain in Saskatchewan, and would like to continue working with the Riders organization. The Riders have called a special board meeting to deal with Monday's developments, but Tillman's future with the organization remains uncertain.

The defence is arguing for an absolute discharge, which would see Tillman without a criminal record and no further obligations to the court. A conditional discharge would mean a period of court-ordered conditions, but would also leave Tillman without a criminal record.

Hinds is also considering whether Tillman should submit a sample to the national DNA database.