Facing 28 charges relating to eight armed robberies in Central Alberta, a youth made his first appearance in court on Thursday.
The youth, who cannot be named due to provisions in the federal Youth Justice Act, was scheduled to go to trial on other matters on April 16 with Kevin Schollie as his defence counsel.
He appeared in Red Deer youth court on Thursday morning.
However, he has retained Patrick Penny to represent him on the new charges. Penny held on to the trial date, but told judge James Glass it was likely to change now that he is on as counsel.
Chief Crown prosecutor Bena Border said she is opposed to the youth’s release from custody at this time.
He will next appear in Red Deer youth court on April 2.