TWELVE-YEAR-OLD JAILED FOR ASSAULT AND POSSESSION

Local News - KIRKLAND LAKE -- A 12-year-old Kirkland Lake youth who punched
his mother in the face on two separate occassions was sentenced to six days
in secure custody, followed by 18 months of probation.

The youth, who cannot be identified under the Young Offenders Act, appeared
in court Thursday, pleading guilty to two counts each of of assault and
breach of an undertaking, and one count each of mischief, unlawful
confinement and trafficking in marijuana.

According to the statement of facts agreed upon by the Crown and the
defence, the youth first assaulted his mother during an incident at a
relative's home in North Cobalt in December of last year. The crown said
the youth wanted money from his mother and when she refused, he punched her
on the side of the face. He then attempted to prevent her from leaving the
home.

In another incident in Kirkland Lake in April, the youth punched his mother
in the cheek after learning she had given away her tobacco because she had
quit smoking.

The youth also grabbed her by the neck and tipped her sofa chair over.

He also destroyed a phone and pulled another one out of the wall to prevent
her from contacting police.

The youth also pleaded guilty to purchasing $10 worth of marijuana on
behalf of a fellow elementary school student on Nov. 19, 2003.

In handing down his sentence, Justice P. Belanger took into account the
fact the youth has already been in custody for more than three months and
has excelled in treatment programs offered to him. Following the six days
in secure custody, the youth will begin a treatment program in Sudbury.