Youth sentenced for officer assault

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This article was published 15/05/2017 (2537 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A youth who pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer has been sentenced to supervised probation by a provincial court judge.

The court heard that on Mar. 21, 2017 at approximately 4:50 p.m., Ste Anne Police were dispatched to report of a fight. When they arrived, the boy attempted to flee and was placed in the back seat of a police cruiser but managed to get into the front seat of vehicle, where he kicked a male officer in the chest and stomach, as the man tried to restrain him.

Earlier, the youth had been drinking at a Ste Anne residence and became upset. When the boy brandished a steak knife and began uttering threats, two friends attempted to deescalate the situation, Crown attorney Amy Wood said in Steinbach court on Thursday.

After relinquishing the blade, a verbal confrontation ensued outside the home and the boy attacked one of his friends, prompting passersby to call police.

A joint recommendation of supervised probation was submitted to Judge Ken Champagne.

“Alcohol was the root cause of this terrible afternoon,” said defence lawyer Alan Libman. The boy had no prior criminal record, Wood noted.

Champagne agreed to the recommendation, giving the youth 15 months of supervised probation. A weapons prohibition was also ordered, along with conditions to keep the peace, complete counselling, attend school or job training, and avoid contact with the other two boys. The judge also asked probation services to consider a substance abuse assessment.

Champagne said the youth was fortunate to have supporters who accompanied him to the sentencing.

“When they say it’s not a good idea to drink, you should listen to them.”