A vicious mugging in Red Deer that left a young man with a permanent eye injury has resulted in a federal jail term for a teenager who had no previous record.
Tikkanen Wayne Lee, 18, was sentenced to two and a half years in jail on Friday after pleading guilty to robbing another teenager on June 4.
Lee was credited for seven weeks in pre-trial custody, leaving him about 26 months to serve.
Crown prosecutor Denis Huot told Judge David Plosz that the victim was attacked by Lee and two other young men, who jumped the victim in the 5500 block of 60th Street about 12:30 p.m.
One assailant pinned the victim’s arms while the other two punched him several times and kicked him when he was down. They stole his wallet and fled.
The victim was hospitalized and has been told by an eye specialist he has permanent damage in one eye.
Defence lawyer Kevin Schollie said his client had just moved to Red Deer from Winnipeg and fell in “with the wrong crowd.”
“How would you feel if that happened to you?” Plosz asked Lee.
“It has happened to me,” Lee replied.
“Does that justify it for you?” Plosz said.
“These are the actions of a thug and a creep,” Plosz added.
An aggravated assault charge was withdrawn against Lee, who must also surrender a sample of his DNA.
The sentence was a joint submission between Schollie and Huot for the court’s consideration.
Rodney Bryan Cardinal, 18, of Red Deer returns to court on Thursday for a bail hearing continuation while Logan Sweezey, 25, of Red Deer returns to court on Aug. 12.
Both remain in custody and are each charged with aggravated assault and robbery.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com