Teen accused in Bedford school stabbing pleads not guilty

A teenager accused in a stabbing at a high school in Bedford, N.S., in March has pleaded not guilty.

The youth, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, appeared in Halifax youth court by a video link from a correctional facilityThursday.

The only time he spoke was to let the judge know he could hear what was going on in the courtroom.

• Student in custody after 2 staff members stabbed at Bedford high school

His lawyer, Paul Sheppard, entered not guilty pleas to 11 charges on his behalf.

In addition to facing two counts of attempted murder, the 15-year-old is also facing:

• Two charges of aggravated assault.
• Two charges for possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace.
• Two charges of carrying a concealed weapon.
• Possession of a prohibited weapon.
• Possession of a weapon knowing it is unauthorized.
• Mischief.

Charles P. Allen High School closed for the day after the March 20 incident in which the teen and two staff members were injured.

The judgeannounced at Thursday's court appearance the boy is facing an additional charge.

Halifax Regional Policeconfirmed Thursdaythe youth was charged with mischief in relation to an alleged incident of property damage they say happened several weeks before, on March 2, at the high school.

The teenager will appear in court in person for a bail hearing later this month and will remain in custody until then.