August 14, 2008
Edmonton — School officials are hoping assault charges against 14 Edmonton-area teenagers who are accused of assaulting younger children with hockey sticks and cricket bats will help raise awareness about such violence.
RCMP allege the accused, who are now all 16 and live in the bedroom community of St. Albert, paddled eight younger children in May and June.
Their injuries ranged from some reddening of the buttocks, to bruises and bleeding.
Dave Caron, chairman of the Catholic school board in St. Albert, says the charges could help convey to students that such incidents are considered assault and not a fun hazing ritual.
