DEER LAKE — A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty to a charge of supplying alcohol to a minor in provincial court Tuesday.
The charge stems from an incident that took place Sept. 7 when police responded to a complaint of an ill youth in the Wight’s Road area of Deer Lake. The RCMP found an inebriated 14-year-old girl and subsequently arrested the 19-year-old after an investigation. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to supplying liquor to a minor under the Liquor Control Act and given a fine of $250 and a 12-month probation period.
“It’s really a slap on the fingers, isn’t it?” said Barbara Ann Mercer, community leader for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in Rocky Harbour. “We would like to see stiffer penalties in cases like this because it would set a great precedent.”
Mercer said her organization isn’t just about drinking and driving, but any situation where alcohol and drug abuse can have a negative impact.
“If (teenagers) are going to be out there and involved where there are drugs and alcohol we try to help them make wise decisions,” said Mercer. “It’s not that they’ll be exempt from any of these things, but if they do get involved they need to be able to call a parent or a police officer, someone that can help.”
The man’s probation includes a formal apology from him to the girl’s family and 25 hours of community service, among other orders.
This statement is moronic! 19 = Adult (responsible), 14 = Youth (childish).