Halifax teen who pleaded guilty to weapons charges sentenced to parental supervision

A Halifax teenager has received a four-month deferred custody sentence for eight weapons charges.

A 16-year-old Halifax boy who pleaded guilty to weapons charges has received a four-month deferred custody order with conditions, which include staying away from Citadel High School.

Judge Bronwyn Duffy delivered her decision Wednesday following a sentencing hearing Tuesday in Halifax provincial court.

The teen must remain under the supervision of his parent for four months and must stay in his home between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day, unless accompanied by his parent or an adult approved by his parent or a youth worker, or if dealing with a medical emergency.

In addition to staying away from the school, the boy is prohibited from possessing weapons for two years and is not allowed to use the Internet, except when using a device approved by Correctional Services to communicate with friends and family, participate in education, look for a job, or access community supports.

The Crown and defence both agreed to the conditions, which also include keeping the peace and being on good behaviour.

“Her honour gave a very articulate and ... very thoughtful decision,” said Crown prosecutor Terry Nickerson.

“It’s a custodial sentence, so if there’s an allegation of breach of deferred custody, that person is returned to custody rather quickly. They’re then entitled to a hearing ... but it’s deemed to be safe to be served in the community until proven otherwise.”

The teen, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was initially charged in April with 33 offences after reaching out to a suicide hotline, admitting to being depressed and that he planned to shoot students, then himself.

The boy also admitted to being obsessed with the Columbine High School massacre.

The crisis line operator reported the conversation to police who searched his home and seized shotguns, rifles, and a pair of brass knuckles.

Court heard a list of potential victims was found on his phone.

Crown Prosecutor Terry Nickerson called the case “unprecedented.”

“It’s unique because it just never happens very often and that’s as simple as it gets. I know that’s a simplistic answer but this type of case you know, I’ve been a Crown for 20 years and I’ve never had one like it,” he said.

The boy pleaded guilty to eight weapons-related offences in June and August and the remaining 25 charges against him were dropped, including the four charges alleging he had threatened people at the Halifax school.

The 16-year-old boy spent 173 days in custody in a provincial jail before being released.

The teen addressed the court at the end of Tuesday’s hearing, apologized and said he’s prepared to move forward under the conditions the court sees fit.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis and The Canadian Press

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