Eabametoong First Nation — Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) have arrested a 15-year-old male in connection with a serious assault reported just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, near the community baseball field.
Police say a male victim sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing, was treated at the nursing station, and later transferred to hospital in Thunder Bay for further care. The injuries are believed to be serious.
Following investigation, officers located and arrested a youth suspect on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Charges include Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order (two counts).
The accused appeared for a bail hearing Thursday, Sept. 4, and was remanded into custody.
The identity of the youth is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
If Convicted, What Could a Youth Sentence Be?
Youth sentences focus on accountability, rehabilitation and community safety, with custody used only as a last resort and after courts consider reasonable alternatives.
Aggravated Assault (Criminal Code s.268)
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For adults, aggravated assault carries a maximum of 14 years; as a youth sentence, a judge could impose up to two years total (custody + community supervision) for a single offence, because the adult maximum is not life imprisonment.
Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (s.88)
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For adults, this hybrid offence has a maximum of 10 years if prosecuted by indictment. For a young person, available YCJA dispositions apply (including non-custodial options below), with overall youth custody for a single offence generally capped at two years.
Failure to Comply with Release Order (s.145(5))
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Adult maximum is two years (indictable) or a summary option. Youth sentencing is again under YCJA with the same two-year general cap for a single offence.
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Non-custodial Options Commonly Used Under the YCJA
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Probation with conditions (no-contact, curfew, counseling) — up to 2 years for one offence (up to 3 years if sentenced on multiple offences). JFCY
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Fines — up to $1,000.
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Community service — up to 240 hours within 12 months.
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Deferred Custody and Supervision Order (DCSO) — a community-based custody order not available where the offence involved causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm (e.g., aggravated assault allegations). Justice Laws
Weapons Prohibition Orders (Youth)
Courts must consider weapons prohibitions on conviction. For young persons, a mandatory order lasts at least two years after custody ends (or after finding of guilt if no custody). Discretionary orders may be imposed up to two years.
Bottom line: outcomes range from probation, community-based conditions and reparations to custody-and-supervision (generally up to two years per single offence). Actual sentencing would depend on the facts, the youth’s history, and YCJA principles.
