RCMP launch review after teen held in Labrador lockup

Police will conduct an internal review into the case of a 14-year-old boy who was held for 10 days in a central Labrador lockup while waiting for a court appearance.

The 14-year-old, who was convicted last week in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for breach of probation and possession of marijuana, was arrested earlier this month for missing curfew at a group home.

The boy's revelations in the court have sparked the RCMP review of his treatment.

The case against the boy was adjourned several times, leading him to spend 10 days in a police lockup that is usually used by adults.

The boy said he was not allowed to take a shower until he had been held for eight days.

He also said he was not given the opportunity to exercise, brush his teeth or even visit with his mother.

"If in fact at the end of the day we determine that there are shortcomings that are identified, we will provide guidance to our staff and training to address the concerns," said Sgt. Wayne Newell, a communications official with the RCMP.

Newell said he is not sure why the boy would not have been allowed to see his mother.

"These are young people who need to get advice and counselling and support from their parents," he said.

"I don't know of any case where we would stand in the way. Whether or not it was forwarded or if the request was made is something we'll have to determine."

Separate review

Meanwhile, Darlene Neville, Newfoundland and Labrador's child and youth advocate, is also conducting a review of the boy's time in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay lockup.

Young people arrested in Labrador are often forced to stay in the police lockup because there is no correctional centre for women and youth in the region.

In 2006, the RCMP lockup came in for criticism, and scrutiny, after a female inmate was held naked for several days.

Earlier this year, Newfoundland and Labrador Citizens' Representative Barry Fleming called for a separate jailfor women in Labrador.