13-year-old Welland robber gets sage advice from judge

A 13-year-old boy convicted of robbery and uttering threats in connection with a swarming incident in Welland received some words of advice from a local judge.

Sometimes life is really unfair, sometimes life really stinks," Judge Cameron Watson told the teen.

I'll tell you a little secret, when you get older and you get bigger and you get smarter, stuff is still going to happen to you whether you like it or not ... but the difference between ending up in jail and not ending up in jail is how you deal with those things.

The strongest warrior and the strongest soldier is the one who doesn't get into the fight to begin with," the judge added.

The teen, who cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, appeared in Ontario Court of Justice on Friday and pleaded guilty to several charges including robbery and uttering threats.

Court heard a Welland teenager was lured from his home in October and then assaulted by three youths. His cellphone and his bicycle were stolen.

Asked why the defendant participated in the assault, the defendant said the victim had disrespected his friends."

Defence lawyer Mark Evans told the judge his client, who had no previous criminal record, has had a difficult childhood.

He seems to have difficulty accepting what life has thrown at him," he said. Adults understand that life throws curve balls, a 13-year-old doesn't necessarily understand that as well."

The boy, who had been in custody since his arrest, was placed on probation for two years. He was also ordered to write a letter of apology to the victim.

I'm not doing this to punish you, I'm doing this to help you," the judge said.

Alison Langley is a St. Catharines-based reporter for the Niagara Falls Review. Reach her via email: alison.langley@niagaradailies.com