Catch a predator-style setup and assault nets teen 18-months probation

A teenager who was part of a gang that "viciously attacked" two men and sparked public outcry over violence in Mount Pearl has been sentenced for his role in the beating.

The boy, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault on Oct. 1. He was sentenced to 24 days’ custody — which he already served — and 18 months of probation, on Nov. 7.

According to the sentencing decision by Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court Judge Lois Skanes, the boy and several of his friends devised a plan to lure unknown men into a secluded area under the guise of setting up a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old boy.

"In our society we do not countenance vigilantism such as was carried out in this case. Though reporting to police is encouraged, the enforcement of the law is to be left to the lawful authorities," Skanes wrote in her decision.

"One of the many reasons for this is illustrated here where the wrong person was attacked. Having said that, even attacking the 'right person,' is not permitted."

The teens arranged two meetings on Nov. 24, 2024, Skanes said.

The first took place near Morris Academy in Mount Pearl. When the group arrived, they saw a man exiting his vehicle who they mistook for the person they had been communicating with.

The man told the teens he was there to pick up his children.

"One member of the group stated, 'It's a bit late to be picking up your kids, sicko,'" the decision said.

One of the teens beat the man with a baseball bat, striking his face and left shoulder.

Skanes said the man sustained swelling and bruising along with a deep, gaping wound on his brow that required seven stitches.

The decision says the group was mistaken and the person they attacked was not who they were communicating with.

The agreed statement of fact says the teen was unaware a bat was going to be used. However, the group disposed of the bat at the teen's grandmother's house before going to the second meetup.

In that case, the group followed a man as he exited his vehicle near St. David's Park and asked what he was doing. The man responded that he was visiting his sister.