Man charged for breaching publication ban in high school stabbing case

Halifax Regional Police have charged a man for violating a publication ban in the case of a teenager accused in connection with a stabbing at a local high school.

Police said in late March, they were made aware of social media posts about the youth, who was charged with attempted murder after two staff members at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, N.S., were stabbed on March 20.

The two staff members and the teen were taken to hospital for treatment after the stabbing.

In a news release on Thursday, police said a 30-year-old employee of Nova Scotia Sheriff Services "had breached the publication ban provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act."

A spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Department of Justice said the man was a deputy sheriff but he is no longer employed by the department.

Teen's lawyer 'extremely disappointed'

The 15-year-old's lawyer, Paul Sheppard, issued an emailed statement expressing concern for his client.

"We are shocked and extremely disappointed that an adult in a position of authority would do something like this. Once information associated with such a highly publicised incident is posted to social media, further circulation is almost assured," the statement said.

"Regardless of what unfolds for my client in this proceeding, he may now have a very difficult time shaking the stigma of being criminally charged."

Sheppard added that he has sent several screen shots to police depicting other instances in which he believes his client was identified by name on social media, and he is hoping that further charges will be laid.

The teen made a brief appearance in court on Thursday via video link from a correctional facility.

He had been due to enter a plea on 11 charges, which also include aggravated assault, possessing a dangerous weapon, possessing a prohibited weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and mischief. But the hearing was quickly adjourned until next month, without a plea being entered.

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The teen asked the judge if his next court appearance would be by video as well, and he was told that it would be.

He will remain in custody until then.

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