Several St. Albert youths accused of assaulting younger teens in a hazing incident this summer will be appearing in provincial court later today All are expected to enter a plea to charges.
Last month one youth set a trial date of February 3rd, while 12 others postponed entering their pleas until lawyers had a chance to study documents. A warrant was issued for the arrest of a final accused who failed to show for two previous court appearances. It’s not known if that boy has been apprehended.
While all are charged with assault, five of the boys are also facing one count each of assault with a weapon.
The case stems from nine victims who came forward this summer telling RCMP they were taken against their will in June to various locations in St. Albert and paddled on the lower buttocks. Injuries varied from bruising to redness and in one case, bleeding.