Warning: This article contains disturbing images that may be triggering to readers. A Toronto teen has pleaded guilty to being one of five young men responsible for a Barrie mall jewelry store smash-and-grab last Christmas, armed with pepper spray and hammers. The 15-year-old, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty to robbery and wearing a disguise during the Dec. 19, 2025, robbery steps from where children were taking photos with Santa. The youth, who was 14 at the time, admitted to being caught red-handed after Charm Diamond Centres in the Georgian Mall was victimized by young thieves. In all five teens, as young as 14, including the alleged getaway driver, were arrested, with help from provincial police in Essa Township shortly after some of the accused were caught on camera fleeing the mall. The teen, who had been in custody for more than seven months, was denied bail back in January, and credited with time served, given a total credit of about 10 months of pre-sentence custody. Represented by defence lawyer Alonzo Abbey, the teen was placed on probation for two years and is banned from having weapons on him for three years. Two of his co-accused, including the alleged gateway driver, were granted bail hours after being arrested. A different teen, who is now 16, is set to appear in a Barrie plea court on Tuesday. The remaining accused are scheduled to return to a virtual youth courtroom later this month. The allegations against them have not been tested in court.
