TEEN DRUG DEALER AVOIDS PRISON

A 17-year-old youth, who was arrested by police in a school parking
lot with a substantial amount of drugs, received a deferred sentence
and probation on Thursday.

The youth, whose identity is protected under terms of the Youth
Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty earlier to five charges in youth
court.

Four other charges were withdrawn in exchange for the guilty
pleas.

The Red Deer teen was sentenced to a three-month deferred sentence
and then 18-months of probation by youth court Judge Monica Bast.

Crown prosecutor Morrey Ferries argued for a prison term, calling the
youth a drug dealer.

Police said the teen was arrested in the Hunting Hills High School
parking lot on May 17 with a large quantity of drugs.

He was spotted in a taxi by police, who arrested him when he
attempted to flee.

Police discovered a large number of ecstasy pills and other drugs,
including marijuana and the MDMA.

They also seized $360 in cash, which was forfeited.

Court heard the youth was also arrested about 11 days earlier and
charged with similar offences.

The youth pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for the purpose of
trafficking, possession of drugs, failing to comply with a court
order, obstructing a peace officer, and failing to comply with a
youth sentence.

Bast said she took into consideration that the teen had spent 10
weeks in pre-trial custody.

Defence lawyer Paul Morigeau argued that a positive pre-sentence
report, which indicated the youth was bright and working on an
apprenticeship at the time of his arrest, should work in his favour.

Bast told the teen he must not break any court imposed rules or he
could be charged and forced to serve time left on the three months in
custody.