Sprinkler prankster convicted of rare charge
The Canadian Press
Posted: Aug 12, 2011 4:18 PM PT
Last Updated: Aug 12, 2011 4:27 PM PT
Nandos restaurant in North Vancouver was one of those persuaded by a prankster to turn on its sprinkler system during business hours. CBCA teenager who tricked hotel guests and restaurant employees to set off fire alarms and sprinkler systems has been convicted under the rarely-used charge of conveying false messages.
The 17-year-old from Surrey, B.C., who is a young offender and can't be named, was found guilty on 12 counts in a North Vancouver provincial court earlier this week.
Over a two-day period last February, the teen called 19 hotels or restaurants in North Vancouver and convinced staff or patrons to set off the fire suppression systems.
Several businesses received water damage or had their businesses disrupted.
The teen has been sentenced to two years house arrest, has been ordered to stay away from 12 specific North Vancouver businesses, not to possess a cellular phone and is forbidden to take alcohol or recreational drugs.
The conviction sends a strong message that anyone who thinks using prank calls as a means of entertainment may find themselves in trouble with the law, North Vancouver RCMP Cpl. Richard De Jong said in a release.
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