Stanley Cup rioter who made online apology given probation

VANCOUVER – A B.C. judge says a university graduate who appears to have a bright future in front of her should be spared jail time for participating in last year’s Stanley Cup riot.

Instead, provincial court Judge Joseph Galati has given 23-year-old Camille Cacnio (KAK’-nee-oh) a suspended sentence that includes two years of probation and community service.

Cacnio pleaded guilty after online photos showed her stealing two pairs of men’s pants and a tie from a clothing store during the riot on June 15, 2011.

She turned herself into the police and posted an online apology that explained she was drunk and fell into the mob mentality.

Galati says Cacnio’s involvement in the riot, which didn’t include any vandalism or violence, was low, and he contrasted that with her own academic achievements and volunteer work.

The judge also notes Cacnio was treated harshly by “the would-be pundits of social media,” and he believes the stigma associated with her involvement in the riotmeans jail time isn’t needed to teach her a lesson.