Vandal pleads guilty following glass-breaking spree

Feb 28, 2008

SUNDRIDGE – A 12-year-old local youth pled guilty to mischief in Sundridge provincial court on Feb. 19.

The boy and a friend, neither of whom can be identified, went on a late-night rock throwing spree in Sundridge on Sept. 22. Using a slingshot, and occasionally their hands, the pair broke windows at Investors Group, the Red Brick Café, a storage building at Mac Lang, two residences, and a light in the bandstand. They also damaged a moving truck.

In some cases, they were observed and even spoken to by witnesses. Shortly afterward, the defendant turned himself in to police.

The crown and duty counsel made a joint submission in this case, recommending community service, restitution and probation.

Justice Lawrence Klein spent some time speaking with the defendant, who could not offer any explanation for his actions.

Klein sentenced him to 18 months probation, during which he can have no contact with the other boy, 30 hours of community service, and restitution in the amount of $218 – half the repair bill for the truck.

“While he’s doing his community service, he can think about the people whose property he damaged,” said Klein.

The other youth was similarly dealt with at an earlier date.