The young person applied for an order directing the appointment of counsel under s. 25(4) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act after being denied Legal Aid.
The Crown had determined that Extrajudicial Sanctions were not available.
The court considered whether the young person was 'at trial' within the meaning of the Act, which is a prerequisite for the appointment of counsel.
The court held that the arraignment and entering of a plea, including a guilty plea, constitutes the commencement of the trial process.
Consequently, upon entering a plea, the young person is considered to be 'at trial' and is entitled to a court order for the appointment of counsel.
