A Kamloops judge had harsh words for a young drug user, warning the teen she will die if she does not stop using.
The 18-year-old girl, who cannot be named because she was a youth when her offences were committed, pleaded guilty in Kamloops provincial court on Thursday to two counts of failure to comply.
The teen pleaded guilty in October of 2020 to one count of assault, receiving a conditional discharge and probation with terms requiring she report to a probation officer and complete community service, among others. Court heard the girl failed to report last spring and failed to complete her community service on time — leading to the charges to which she pleaded guilty on Thursday.
The girl was described in court as being “extremely street-entrenched” and struggling with substance abuse. Court heard she was revived after overdosing as recently as last week.
The girl, who one day hopes to have a career as a makeup artist, said she agreed in court on Thursday to undergo addictions treatment. Kamloops provincial court Judge Lorianna Bennett commended her for that decision but warned of what might happen if she does not see it through.
“It takes a lot of work,” the judge said.
“If you don’t do it, I would have said you’ll be back here in the criminal justice system like some of the other files we see in court. But that won’t happen. If you don’t get treatment, you’ll be dead before that happens.”
Bennett also wished the teen good luck and offered her some encouragement.
“I think you’ve got a bright future ahead of you,” she said.
“It’s not too late for you to make changes, but if you don’t make them now it’s going to slip through your fingers and be too late.”
Bennett placed the teen on a 12-month probation order with conditions requiring she attend "full-time, live-in" addictions treatment and complete 10 hours of community service.
