Tears began streaming down the face of a 17-year-old boy after he learned he would be remanded back into custody until his next court appearance.
The boy — who can’t be named because he is underage — made his first appearance in Moose Jaw provincial court on April 8. He is charged with assault with a weapon (a knife), breach of an undertaking, and failing to keep the peace.
The Crown planned to proceed by indictment on the charge of assault with a weapon and summarily with the remaining two charges, said Rob Parker, regional Crown prosecutor. The Crown is also opposed to the teenager’s release.
An indictable offence is more serious, while a summary offence is less serious.
With the boy remanded back into custody, a bail report will be prepared for when he next appears on April 11, said Judge Daryl Rayner.
Upon hearing that he would not be released, the 17-year-old became emotional.
“Why can’t I just go home?” the boy sobbed. “Please, like I’ll do anything, please.”
“There’s not much I can do,” replied Rayner, noting the bail verification report needs to be prepared before anything can happen.
The teenager’s father then stood up and also pleaded with the judge for the boy’s release. The father asked if his son could be remanded to the hospital so he could receive mental health treatment.
“He needs it big time,” the father said. “You put him in jail, he’ll freak out in jail again and he’ll end up with more charges.”
Judge Rayner suggested the father speak with legal aid lawyer Suzanne Jeanson about this situation. The court could look at a different placement for the teenager, such as a hospital. Until then, the boy would be kept at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre in Regina.
