Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jul 2006
Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Red Deer Advocate
Contact:  http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492
Author: Jack Wilson

TEEN DRUG DEALER AVOIDS PRISON

A 17-year-old youth, who was arrested by police in a  school parking
lot with a substantial amount of drugs,  received a deferred sentence
and probation on Thursday.

The youth, whose identity is protected under terms of  the Youth
Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty earlier  to five charges in youth
court.

Four other charges were withdrawn in exchange for the  guilty
pleas.

The Red Deer teen was sentenced to a three-month  deferred sentence
and then 18-months of probation by  youth court Judge Monica Bast.

Crown prosecutor Morrey Ferries argued for a prison  term, calling the
youth a drug dealer.

Police said the teen was arrested in the Hunting Hills  High School
parking lot on May 17 with a large quantity  of drugs.

He was spotted in a taxi by police, who arrested him  when he
attempted to flee.

Police discovered a large number of ecstasy pills and  other drugs,
including marijuana and the MDMA.

They also seized $360 in cash, which was forfeited.

Court heard the youth was also arrested about 11 days  earlier and
charged with similar offences.

The youth pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for the  purpose of
trafficking, possession of drugs, failing to  comply with a court
order, obstructing a peace officer,  and failing to comply with a
youth sentence.

Bast said she took into consideration that the teen had  spent 10
weeks in pre-trial custody.

Defence lawyer Paul Morigeau argued that a positive  pre-sentence
report, which indicated the youth was  bright and working on an
apprenticeship at the time of  his arrest, should work in his favour.

Bast told the teen he must not break any court imposed  rules or he
could be charged and forced to serve time  left on the three months in
custody.
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MAP posted-by: Derek