Winnipeg man apologizes for false accusation against police officers

WINNIPEG – An aboriginal man who falsely accused Winnipeg police of taking him on a so-called starlight tour has apologized.

Evan Maud says he is sorry for making up the story and for harming the reputation of two police officers.

Maud did not say why he made up the story, and left a news conference without taking questions from reporters.

The union that represents Winnipeg police members says it accepts the apology.

In 2010, Maud said police drove him to the city’s outskirts and left him alone in freezing temperatures, but his story quickly unravelled as Winnipeg Transit surveillance showed he was on a bus at the time.

Maud’s apology is part of a restorative justice program that will allow him to avoid a conviction on public mischief.