Teen who kissed CBC reporter won't be charged, police say
Daniel Davies, 17, has apologized to Megan Batchelor and RCMP say no further action required
Staff Sgt. Brian Cumming said Squamish RCMP won't be recommending charges in an incident involving a 17-year-old boy who planted an unwanted kiss on CBC-TV reporter Megan Batchelor during a live broadcast at the Squamish Valley Music Festival.
Officers have spoken to all the parties involved and are satisfied no further action is needed so the file has been closed, he said.
"My understanding is the CBC reporter was satisfied with the apology that was provided to her from this young man," Cumming said.
Daniel Davies reached out to Batchelor on Twitter Monday, identifying himself as the kisser and saying he regrets his actions.
"At the moment I thought it was kind of a joke, then I stepped in your shoes, that's when I kind of realized that it all was not a joke at all. That's your career — obviously it's also your body and you have complete control of that and without anyone else's consent, they do not have the right to do anything to anyone," Davies told Batchelor.
Davies interrupted Batchelor's live television report from the music festival Friday evening. Batchelor then filed a complaint with the Squamish RCMP.
"Until I took a step back and I kind of put myself into your shoes, that's really when I realized it all kind of just hit me," said Davies.
"Honestly, I wish I actually understood that before I did it, but like I said, I made the mistake already and I want to make the best of the situation."
Batchelor said she accepted the apology and hoped it would make others think twice before interrupting television reporters on the job.
"Just hearing those words, it's exactly what I wanted to hear, and in all of this, I didn't want anyone to lose their job or get a criminal record, I just want people to take a second, and just think of the impact on that person. Just because I'm standing in front of a camera doesn't mean I don't have feelings and I'm not focused and I'm not trying to be a professional," said Batchelor.
As for Davies, Cumming said his father told RCMP he was disappointed that his son did something "embarrassing and inappropriate."
"He wanted his son to do the right thing and take responsibility for his actions and I think he's happy his son did ultimately initiate communication with her [Batchelor] and take the responsibility of owning up to it," Cumming said.