Niagara Falls Review e-edition

Teen granted discharge for his role in swarming, robbery of 14-year-old

ALISON LANGLEY Alison Langley is a St. Catharinesbased reporter for the Niagara Falls Review. Reach her via email: alison.langley@niagaradailies.com

A 16-year-old has been granted a discharge for his role in the swarming and robbery of a 14year-old Welland boy.

The youth, who cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was originally charged with robbery. In Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines Thursday he pleaded guilty to theft.

Court was told the victim received a text message in August 2020 to meet up with friends in a secluded area in Welland.

Shortly after he arrived, however, he was met by a 14-yearold girl and two teenaged boys.

“He had a previous physical encounter earlier in the week so he knew some trouble would be visited upon him on this occasion,” assistant Crown attorney Henry Limheng told the judge.

And, he was right. When he tried to leave, the girl ordered him to kiss her shoes and to hand over several items including the necklace he was wearing. The victim was allowed to leave after he complied with her demands.

The girl gave the necklace to the defendant.

The girl pleaded guilty at an earlier court appearance and was placed on probation for two years.

The defendant received a discharge with conditions for 12 months including that he stay away from the victim and the girl.

Defence lawyer Jeffrey Root said his client admits he made a poor decision that day.

“He should have stepped in and told her to go home and it would have been done with. It’s a lesson learned.”

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2021-06-14T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-14T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://niagarafallsreview.pressreader.com/article/281543703871614

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