A 17-year-old male youth will spend almost three more months behind bars after pleading guilty to theft and failing to comply with youth court orders.
The teen, who cannot be named under provisions in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was sentenced to 90 days in custody for theft of a motor vehicle, and theft under $5,000 after appearing in High Prairie youth court June 20.
He was found in a stolen truck, “stuck in mud”, near East Prairie Metis Settlement on June 15, said Crown Prosecutor Haydn Shook.
The youth stole the truck near Edmonton. A stolen rifle was also found in the vehicle.
“He ran away from the treatment centre and stole the truck so he could go see his father in Gift Lake,” lawyer Harry Jong said.
Credited with serving nine days, the youth was banned from possessing and using firearms for two years and ordered to provide a DNA sample.
“The message doesn’t seem to be sinking in,” said Judge B.R. Hougestol. “Sentences will get only longer.”
“He has not learned his lesson,” Shook agreed.

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Two 13-year-old youths, one male and one female, were sentenced to probation for 18 months for various charges of break and enter, theft and mischief to property.
They were also ordered to each complete 80 hours of community service by June 30, 2017 and will be placed on curfew determined by their probation officer.
Together, they broke into the home of a relative of one of the youth, took keys to a truck and went for ride before driving into the side of a building on Dec. 19-20, said Harry Jong, lawyer for the female.
“Stay out of trouble,” said B.R. Judge Hougestol during sentencing. “Their behaviour is unacceptable.”
Both teens have apparently learned from the incident.
“She says she doesn’t want to get into trouble again,” said lawyer Harry Jong.
“He’s doing much better, and better in school,” added Vilma Mydliar, lawyer for the boy.
They youths were also charged for obstructing police when they gave peace officers false names.

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A 14 year-old male was sentenced to probation for 18 months for shopbreaking with tools.
Youth court hear the boy was coaxed by an 18-year-old male to break windows at the old Gift Lake store on April 23, 2016, said lawyer Harry Jong, who noted that the store closed about 18 months ago.
The two broke windows and other equipment inside with a baseball bat.
“He says he’s sorry,” Jong said.
The youth was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service by June 2017.