Yellowknife (July 23/03) - A teenager who tried to have a stolen ring appraised was sentenced to a year of probation and community service work in youth court Monday.

The 15-year-old, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property over $5000.

Crown prosecutor Shelley Tkatch told the court the girl and another youth stood outside Le Frolic restaurant on March 31 while a 21-year-old man tossed money, visa receipts and $50,000 in jewelry out the window.

The man, Jason Whalen, gave the teen a diamond ring and bracelet. Soon after, she walked into Eldonn Jewellery and asked to have the ring appraised. The clerk called police.

The teen denied her involvement in the crime, but eventually cooperated, revealing details that led to the arrest of the two others.

The girl told police she discarded the three-diamond bracelet. It was later found in the crotch of her underwear, said Tkatch.

Defence lawyer Jim Brydon began telling the court personal details about the teens circumstances. Citing a section of the new Youth Criminal Justice Act, Judge Brian Bruser ordered the public to leave the courtroom briefly.

Bruser sentenced the girl to a year of probation. Along with up to 50 hours of community work, the order includes having no-contact with the two others involved, obeying a curfew and her moms rules.

Her mother, described as supportive, sat beside her daughter in court.

Choose your friends more carefully, said Bruser. Bad friends make for bad times.

Whalen was employed by Le Frolic at the time of his arrest.

He was sentenced earlier this month to a year in jail, over and above time spent in remand.

He was also ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution for the money and unrecovered, uninsured gems.