Chris Clegg

South Peace News

It is hoped some community service work will help drive the message home for a girl who continues to snub her youth court orders.
The girl, 13, pleaded guilty in High Prairie Youth Court July 11 to two charges of failing to comply and two more of failing to comply with an undertaking. Her name cannot be published due to provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Youth Court Judge D.R. Shynkar was concerned about the girl’s criminal behaviour, given her young age.
“What do you think will stop you from coming back here?” he asked the girl. “Are you sure to be able to [follow orders] from now on?”
“Yes,” replied the girl.
“How?” asked Judge Shynkar.
“I don’t know,” she said.
Crown prosecutor Hadyn Shook told youth court the first charges arose May 13. The girl was placed on probation May 4 and promised to attend school.
However, her probation officer phoned the school May 13 and discovered her absence.
“She was skipping school,” said Shook.
As a result, the girl was placed on an undertaking with a promise to abstain.
It didn’t work. On June 17, she was arrested by Faust RCMP.
“She was aggressive … and she was consuming alcohol,” Shook told youth court.
More trouble arose July 1 in the school playground at 3 a.m. when police found her. She again admitted she was drinking. She was charged with drinking and breaking curfew against orders.
Because the girl was already on curfew, and given that custodial time was not warranted, Shook asked Judge Shynkar to consider community service work.
Duty counsel lawyer Vilma Mydliar agreed. She added the girl was residing at the White Buffalo Treatment Centre.
Judge Shynkar also agreed community service was appropriate.
“Are you working this summer?” he asked the girl.
“No,” she replied.
Judge Shynkar ordered the girl to complete 20 hours of community service work – five hours for each charge – by Aug. 31.