Yellowknife (June 13/03) - A 14-year-old teen who hit two girls and repeatedly ignored her bail conditions was handed a six-month probation term in territorial court on Monday.

The teen will spend 21 days in jail if she ignores this court order, said Judge Michel Bourassa.

The youth, who had no previous criminal record, pleaded guilty to two assaults, possession of stolen property, failing to appear in court and breaking her bail conditions three times.

On March 17, the teen slapped an 11-year-old girl in the face because she wouldn't let her into a Yellowknife apartment building, said Crown counsel Sandy Aitken. When the RCMP arrived at the scene, the 11-year-old had blood on her face and hands.

Then in late April, she failed to appear in court to face the charge. Defence lawyer Margot Engley said the girl came to court that day, but left.

On May 9th, the teen followed another girl, harassed her, and punched her in the face. The victim is now afraid to walk home by herself, said Aitken.

When RCMP saw the teen at Extra Foods downtown, she rode off on a bike that didn't belong to her. She was eventually caught, carrying stolen bubble gum and magazines.

She appeared before a justice of the peace the next day and was released on the condition that she obey a curfew.

Shortly after arriving home from court, the girl was on the move again. Her mother phoned police before going out to look for her. While her mom was out, police brought the girl back. But by the time her mother returned, the girl was gone.

The teen went to court and her bail was changed, giving her a stricter curfew -- 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. She returned home from court around 4:45 p.m.and took off as soon as her mom went upstairs.

Police found her walking around downtown last Thursday -- staggering and reeking of booze. She was taken to the drunk tank and remained there until her court appearance on Monday.

According to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, custody is supposed to be a last resort for teens who aren't repeat, violent offenders.

Aitken said she was unsure what sentence to recommend, given the girl's history of ignoring court orders. She suggested a short jail sentence.

"Her mother is unable to control her," Aitken told the judge.

Even an adult with no criminal record would not receive jail time for these crimes, said Engley, who pointed out the girl has already spent four nights in the drunk tank.

Bourassa decided on six-months probation with a curfew and said if she breaks the conditions, "she's going to have to do the time."

He also ordered that social services look into the situation.