SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A 15-year-old girl was given nine months of probation in youth justice court on Monday for putting holes in her walls and assaulting RCMP officers during a tantrum which erupted when she was grounded for skipping school.

She pleaded guilty to one count of mischief and one of assaulting a peace officer.

"I hope you've learned a lesson ... and that you do not come back here as an adult," said Judge Bernadette Schmaltz.

On Oct. 5 the girl's father phoned police to report that she had become "out of control" after he had grounded her for skipping school and had punched a hole in wall in a hallway, and kicked a hole in the wall of her bedroom.

Police arrived and arrested her for mischief. She then spat on one of the officers and tried to kick both of them. When put in the RCMP vehicle, she quickly turned and managed to kick one of the officers in the chest and arms. He was not injured.

She had no criminal record coming into court, and Crown prosecutor Marc Lecorre recommended she serve one year of probation, pay the $200 in damages to her home, and complete 30 to 40 hours of community service.

Her lawyer, Abdul Khan, told the court the girl "clearly shows remorse and has taken responsibility for her actions." He asked for a period of probation in the range of nine to 12 months.

Schmaltz reminded the girl of how serious the charges are, especially that of assaulting a peace officer.

"That type of behaviour, if you were an adult, would land you in jail," said Schmaltz.

The teen was given nine months of probation, 30 hours of community service, and an order to pay for the damages. She must attend school every day unless legitimately sick, and missing a day could result in her being charged with breach of probation.

Schmaltz asked her father, who was in the courtroom, if he had any suggestions for additional conditions.

At his request, Schmaltz added that the girl take any counselling her probation officer suggests, as well as abide by a curfew - for three months she must be inside Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Schmaltz told the girl to return to court on Dec. 13 and if she wants she can request the curfew be lifted.

"If you've shown you can be responsible ... we can talk about removing the curfew," said Schmaltz.

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