The accused was charged under the Young Offenders Act with theft committed when he was 17.
At age 18, he made an inculpatory statement to police without being advised of his right to have an adult present, as required for young persons under s. 56(2) of the Act.
The trial judge excluded the statement and acquitted the accused.
The Court of Appeal allowed the Crown's appeal and ordered a new trial.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the accused's appeal, holding that the special protections in s. 56(2) do not apply to statements made by an accused who is 18 years of age or older, as the context of the provision requires the term 'young person' to be limited to those under 18.
