Sask. student who allegedly set classmate on fire makes trial decisions

A Saskatoon student who allegedly doused her classmate in a flammable substance and set her on fire has chosen to have her trial heard by a judge-alone at Court of King’s Bench.

The teen appeared in the courtroom via video, from Kilburn Hall, to make her elections.

Her aunt and uncle identified themselves to the judge in the courtroom. The Crown said they are the legal guardians for the accused.

On Sept. 5, a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable liquid and lit on fire at Evan Hardy Collegiate.

A 14-year-old girl has been charged with attempted murder, arson and aggravated assault.

She has also been charged with unlawfully causing bodily harm in connection to teacher Sean Hayes, who got injured while trying to extinguish the fire.

The Crown is seeking an adult sentence on all four charges.

The names of the accused and victim cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The case is scheduled to return to provincial court for a preliminary inquiry.

The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.

The defence has requested an NCR (Not Criminally Responsible) assessment on the teen.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 14-17.