Intensive rehab not recommended for Hannah Leflar's killer

On day four of the sentencing hearing for Hannah Lelfar’s murderer, court is learning an intensive rehabilitation order was not offered to the teen.

Intensive rehabilitation custody and supervision (IRCS) is seen an alternative to an adult sentence for youth, helping to reduce the risk of teens committing further violence.

But in the case of this teen, it was not recommended.

Having already turned 19, the teen would soon be transferred to a federal prison within the year.

“There’s no appropriate treatment plan we can offer for a good portion of time that would make on impact on him,” IRCS provincial coordinator Jennifer Peterson told court.

Peterson also told court the reports given to them in making that recommendation indicated he was not engaging in programming offered at the youth facility, was not connected with other teens and was seen as influencing others.

Under cross-examination, defence counsel Corinne Maeder pointed out that many of the programming offered at the Paul Dojack youth facility is not provided to teens on remand, as Leflar’s killer was for some of his time there.

The teen was also awarded a certificate for being the most improved male at the centre and was making friends.

Peterson did not have that information when making the recommendation.

The teen, who cannot be named under YCJA, plotted to and then stabbed Leflar to death in her north Regina home in January 2015. The teen pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in April 2016. 

The decision to sentence the teen as an adult ultimately rests with the court.