Crescent Acres residents attend court to support girls after alleged attack

Nearly 20 concerned residents filled a Prince Albert courtroom Tuesday to see two women accused of a violent attack on a group of teenage girls.

The attack allegedly happened last Thursday night at a school playground in the Crescent Acres neighbourhood.

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Sources close to the incident told paNOW the girls were playing tag and using their phones when they were approached by two women, aged 18 and 20.

One of the girls was allegedly threatened with a knife, robbed of her phone and assaulted. When a mother supervising the girls nearby attempted to intervene, she was also allegedly assaulted.

A father arriving at the scene managed to track down the suspects and hold them until police arrived, the sources said. Both women were living at a nearby housing complex.

Tavia Bradfield and Amber Macdonald are each charged with assault and theft. Both were remanded when their matters were spoken to on Tuesday morning.

Outside the courthouse, the mother of one of the alleged victims said the incident has eroded her trust in society and makes her nervous about allowing children to be more independent.

“As they get older, (they want) to be able to go out and have fun with their friends and maybe not have a parent right beside them,” she said.

The mother, who said both girls have been affected emotionally, said she is thankful for the community support.

“It’s really uplifting to see the support the girls are getting out of this,” she said.

Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards attended court to show support for the residents and the girls.

“People are upset. It’s not acceptable for this to be occurring anywhere in the city,” he said.

Edwards said he hopes Tuesday’s turnout sends a message to the court.

“It’s important to show the judge the neighbours are fed up,” he said.

Bradfield is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 19, while Macdonald is scheduled to return on Oct. 15.