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Trial date set for teen accused in party stabbing

Feb 21, 2018 | 1:00 PM

The youth accused of stabbing a teen girl multiple times has pleaded not guilty, and will go on trial May 30. The trial was scheduled to run for three days.

The youth, who cannot be identified due to his age, was not personally in the courtroom Wednesday as he is currently out of the province. His plea was entered through his lawyer. He was charged with aggravated assault and carrying a weapon for a dangerous purpose after the stabbing, which occured in the early-morning hours of Oct. 15 at an outdoor party in the R.M. of Buckland.

The young victim spoke to paNOW immediately after the trial date was set, on the condition of anonymity.

“It’s scary and upsetting,” she said. “I’ve never [had to deal with something] like this before.”

Accompanied in court by family and friends, the girl said she has largely recovered from her injuries though she still had pain in her lung where she was stabbed.

“I’m not fully healed, but I’ll get there,” she said.

The stabbing victim said the trial process was important to her, because it will allow the accused to understand her perspective and have some empathy.

A close relative expressed concern that the accused was not facing more serious charges, but said the trial will give the victim a chance to be heard.

“[She] can’t heal until this has be dealt with,” the relative said. “I pray and know justice will be served.”

The charges against the young man have not been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent at this stage.

 

Editor’s Note: This story has been closed to commenting because the matter is stil before the court. 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow