Hamilton police officer on 18-month probation for lunging at woman in incident caught on video

A Hamilton police officer has been placed on probation for 18 months after pleading guilty to assault for lunging at a woman in February 2021.

Court documents viewed by CBC Hamilton show Const. Ian Milburnhas nine conditions to his probation issued on Nov. 10. They include:

• Writing an apology letter to the woman he lunged at.
• Avoiding all contact with her (except in an unavoidableemergency).
• Attendinganger management classes.
• Completing150 hours of community service.

CBCNews has agreed to withhold the woman's name due to safety concerns.

The Hamilton Police Service told CBC Hamilton on Thursday that its professional standards branch is now reviewing the incident, as the criminal case is complete.

"If there is a Police Service Act hearing, media will be notified as outlined in the legislation," spokesperson Jackie Penman said.

On Feb. 11,at roughly 4:30 p.m. ET, police said two officers responded to a dispute between a landlord and a tenant near King Street East and Sherman Avenue.

Surveillance footage appears to show what happened next.

In the video, two masked, uniformed officers are shown at the door of a basement unit of ahomeasking to speak with the tenant.

WATCH|Officer appears to lungeat woman:

Hamilton police investigate 'concerning' video

4 years ago

Duration 2:11

Hamilton police are investigating a video that appears to show an officer lunging at a resident.

One officerpoints at the camera beforespeaking with the tenant, who has the door cracked open.

The footage shows the tenant a woman who is transgender and hasdisabilities telling theofficerher neighbour has made a complaint against her.

She also says he is the superintendent and he made past complaints about her.

In the video, she saysthe neighbour is trying to allow renovations that are contrary to the zoning of the home and he is trying to evict her. The superintendent is "harassing his tenant and making it construed to be the opposite," she says.

"Can I finish my sentence?" one officer says. "If you damage his property, you are going to be arrested."

The womansays she didn't damage any property: "Please don't speak to me like that."

Tenant feels vindicated, but doesn't trust police more

In a raised voice, the officer says,"I'll just speak over youbecause clearly you're unreasonable and you don't listen.

"If you damage his property, you are going to be arrested.So do not damage anything.Is that clear? Thank you."

In the video, the womansays sheunderstands and, as the officers are leaving, adds,"Enjoy your bullying of a position."

That's when theofficer turns and lunges toward the womanas she quickly shuts the door.

The video shows him looking at the other officer and laughing as they leave.

Followingthe incident, Milburn was charged with assault, placed on administrative duties and ordered not to havecontact with the public.

The woman told CBC Hamilton on Thursdaythe charges could havebeen avoided if Milburnhad apologized earlier.

She said she feels "vindicated" the officerpleaded guilty, "but I certainly don't have added faithin the justice system because of this particular circumstance."

"The only reason he was held accountable is because I advocated for myself."

She added she'll be framing Milburn's apology letter.