A P.E.I teen who posted a threatening message on Facebook – warning of a
school shooting – was ordered banned from using the Internet for 18 months
by a judge on Monday.
In October, the 16-year-old boy created a fake Facebook account and messaged
two fellow students: “There will be a shooting tomorrow at Charlottetown
Rural High School. Hide."
The next day, armed police officers kept watch over the school, but there
was no shooting.
Police were eventually able to track down the boy, who cannot be named under
the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He pleaded guilty in December to making
threats.
Defence lawyer Alex Godfrey argued that the teen simply made a mistake in
the heat of the moment, and that he was unaware of the ramifications his
actions would have.
Nevertheless, Judge Nancy Orr sentenced him to 18 months probation and 100
hours of community service on Monday.
He will not be allowed to use Facebook or MSN during this time, and will
only be permitted Internet access for school purposes.
He has since transferred to another school.
Outside court Monday, Crown attorney Cheryl Schurman told CBC news that the
judge took into account the wider implications school shootings have had on
Canada and the world.
“None of these things are really ever going to be taken by the community as
a joke. They're very serious, and the community reacted accordingly,"
Schurman said.
