Probation for St. Albert's hazers. Authorities support victims

2 of 14 students involved in hazing get probation
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | 12:40 PM MT
CBC News

Two students from St. Albert who admitted beating younger students with homemade paddles, goalie sticks and cricket bats as part of a hazing ritual were sentenced to four months' probation on Tuesday.

The two teenaged boys also must write letters of apology and 1,000-word essays on how the community, northwest of Edmonton, can stop the practice of "froshing."

RCMP in St. Albert say they're satisfied with the sentences given to the teens.

"It makes people aware that if something like this does happen to them, that we support them and take the matter seriously and they should come forward to the police," Const. Janice Schoep said.

RCMP have developed an education campaign that includes a brochure on froshing, Schoep said. The brochure, which was widely distributed in the community and to schools, refers to the action as assault, she said.

The sentences handed out to these boys will also send a message that froshing is unacceptable, Schoep said.

A total of 14 teens, all 15 and 16 at the time, were charged in the attacks, which took place in May and June 2008.

RCMP said as many as eight victims were assaulted, leaving them with bruises and bleeding, broken skin on their upper legs and buttocks.