The mother of a bear spray attack and beating victim is speaking out after two youths were sentenced for the crime.
On Tuesday in North Battleford Provincial Court, a 17-year-old male was sentenced to 14 months closed custody, plus seven months under community supervision.
A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to 12 months closed custody and six months of community supervision.
Becky Swindler says the sentences were not enough to deter further violence:
“It’s such a violent crime that I believe they should have faced larger sentences. The 17-year-old boy was only out of jail for eight days when he joined in and did this to my son.”
Swindler says tougher sentences might make young offenders have more respect for the justice system:
“I believe that these young offenders are not afraid of cops or going to jail, because they know as young offenders they’ll just get a slap on the wrist. That’s making me think that encourages their behaviour, because nobody is really safe if those kids think that way.”
A third suspect will be back in court next week.