Judge struggles with violent teen options

File photo / Wanganui Chronicle

A court has struggled to find a way of dealing with 15-year-old Courtney Marie Hardaker, an out-of-control young offender sent to Christchurch District Court for sentencing.

The teenager was tearful in the dock as Judge Jane McMeeken told her she had brought the trouble on herself with her behaviour over the last two years, refusing her mother's authority, running away, not attending school, and abusing drugs and alcohol.

And finally, she gave a 16-year-old girl a group bashing, kicking, and stomping that left her injured and badly traumatised, and led to Hardaker being sent to adult court for sentence on a charge of intentionally injuring the victim.

Judge McMeeken said that even in the adult court there were limited options available. The nature of the charge meant a young offender could not be imprisoned or given home detention.

The only available option was a family home, a Child, Youth, and Family staff member told the court. Hardaker would have to be accompanied by a security guard and she could not be at the home between 9am and 3pm each day. It was hoped that eventually she could spend that time with family, at school, or in rehabilitation.

Judge McMeeken said the option caused her considerable concern.

"It is a pity treatment facilities are not available to young people in positions such as yours, and that there is nowhere for you to be other than in a family home."

Hardaker has spent 14 weeks in the youth justice facility at Te Puna Wai where defence counsel Lana Paul said she had reflected on the impact of her offending on herself and the victim. She had written letters to the judge, and an apology to the victim. In the past she had put on a tough demeanour, including at court appearances.

Judge McMeeken described the offending: "You and another young girl assaulted a 16-year-old girl and you later called two male friends of yours to join in. You were directly involved in punching the victim, knocking her to the ground, kicking her, stomping on her. You removed her belt and hit her with it, spat on her, scratched her. Some of her injuries have required on-going treatment for some time. She was completely traumatised by what happened to her."

Hardaker made the phone call to get an ambulance afterwards.

Hardaker has been subject to a care and protection order since 2009 and remains in the Ministry of Social Welfare's custody. Her mother, brother, and a family friend were in court for the sentencing.

Judge McMeeken sentenced her to 200 hours of community work - where she will be kept apart from adult offenders - and a year of intensive supervision.

- NZPA