Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Youth crime

“There has been a serious consequence for you”: teenage boy sentenced for gun crimes

Nov 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A teenage boy who advanced at police, while carrying a sawed off shotgun, was reminded in court the incident could have ended very differently and he very well could have been badly injured.

In relation to the incident that happened last April in Prince Albert, as well as a separate gun related incident at Pelican Narrows two months prior, the teen received four months open custody, followed by two months community supervision and then 12 months probation.

At the time of the offense in February, the teen was 16 years old and had been under a firearm prohibition order since the previous December.

Observed walking down the street with a gun, the teen was arrested at a house in the community. The gun that was found in a closet was described as a bolt action rifle with a sawed off stock.

“It would have been quite the beast to shoot,” remarked Judge Schiefner, noting the gun’s poor condition.

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On April 12, around 4:45, Prince Albert police were called to the 300 block of 12th Street East for a report of someone breaking into vehicles.

The teen, who had been out on bail and was observed carrying a gun and a backpack, fled on a bicycle. He was soon after found in the 500 block of 10th Street East.

While holding the gun in both hands, he then began walking towards police but when instructed to drop the weapon, complied and attempted to run.

The gun in question, this time a 12 gauge shotgun, was camouflage in colour and inside the backpack were 14 rounds of ammunition.

“The public has a right to feel protected,” Judge Schiefner said, prior to accepting the joint recommendation from the Crown and defense.

The teen has been in custody since April and housed at Kilburn Hall in Saskatoon, which is considered a secure facility. The open custody sentence means he will be moved to a facility where he could essentially walk out at will, but Judge Schiefner encouraged him to complete the sentence.

The boy’s lawyer Tim Nolan described a number of Gladue factors that have contributed to the boy’s behavior, including both physical and sexual abuse, as well as exposure to alcohol and drugs.

An extensive mental health history was noted, as well as the deaths of some close family members, including the boy’s father.

“That’s been a big hit for him as well,” Nolan said..

Meanwhile watching from the video screen, the teen held his head in his hands and was observed crying. It was also noted in court that since the age of 10, he has attempted suicide on four separate occasions.

That being said, Nolan explained the teen has taken a number of steps to better himself, including learning strategies to control his anger and has a plan to enroll in post-secondary studies.

“He has some pretty big goals, lofty ambitions,” Nolan said, cautioning if the teen does not get access to the necessary supports, he could very likely be back before the courts.

Judge Shiefner noted the fact the total sentence works out to about two years.

“There has been a serious consequence for you,” he said.

In addition to the custodial sentence and probation, the teen, as per what’s set out in the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is prohibited for a period of two years owning or possessing any weapons or explosives.

“If I could do it longer, I would,” Schiefner added.

In addition to the above mentioned charges, the teen is also alleged to have on April 11, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.

Not guilty pleas have been entered and trial dates are expected to be determined on Nov. 15.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell