The aunt of a 16-year-old boy attacked in North Battleford over the weekend fears for her grandson’s safety if the accused are released.
The youth and a 14-year-old were walking home at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday when several other youth sprayed them with bear mace.
The 14-year-old got away and called 911.
The 16-year-old was caught and beaten savagely with what RCMP called “life-threatening injuries” — but is now in stable condition in a Saskatoon hospital.
His aunt says the injuries he sustained are incredible.
Penny Swindler says the boy was mostly beaten around his face:
“They’ve had to sew his lips in several places. His eyes can’t open. His ears are swollen to the size of large running shoes. He’s bruised all over his face and head.”
Three of the accused appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court today.
Two suspects were remanded in custody to tomorrow for a bail hearing.
The third was remanded in custody to Thursday.
Swindler, who is also the 14-year-old’s grandmother, says she is afraid of what will happen if they ever get out:
“If they let them out, he’s in serious danger, I think. He knows who they are. They know he probably gave them the names. And, if he hadn’t got away and phoned 911, he would have been there, too — and possibly both of them would be dead.”