Nova Scotia judge gives teen two years probation for stabbing high school staff – Halifax [Video]

A 17-year-old boy who stabbed two staff members at a Halifax-area high school last year doesn’t need to serve anymore jail time and instead should be given two years of probation, a Nova Scotia youth court judge ruled Friday.

Judge Elizabeth Buckle said the accused, who was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time he assaulted the school staff, had already served 100 days in pretrial custody and has been complying with strict conditions since his release.

“This has been a very difficult decision; however, ultimately I am not satisfied that the principles of sentencing require a further period of custody in this case,” Buckle told the court. “The expert evidence suggests that … rehabilitation and reintegration can be accomplished in the community.”

The teen’s identity is protected from publication because of his age; he pleaded guilty in March to two counts of aggravated assault. The boy, who was …