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Anorexia battle lands teen in court...
She's a beautiful, bright, ambitious teenager with a deep-seated problem.
Standing beside her lawyer in a London court yesterday, the 17-year-old girl with the thick ponytail was rail-thin, but much healthier than she was only six months ago.
She pleaded guilty to drug possession -- 320 tablets of diazepam, more commonly known as Valium, yesterday.
She was given an absolute discharge by Ontario Court Justice Deborah Livingstone, who commended the daughter of professionals for her courage and recovery.
The girl's identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Livingstone accepted a joint submission by the defence and prosecution and added she has seen that many high achievers often suffer "physically, medically and sometimes legally."
Federal drug prosecutor William Buchner wasn't specific about how the girl was able to get the drugs, only that it was "a complicated investigation" and she was self-medicating.
By the time the disease was discovered by loved ones, there were concerns about whether she would survive.
She responded well to treatment and continues to get medical care and counselling.
Lerner described her as close to "a perfect child" as anyone could be -- "a good daughter, a good sister, a good student."
But when the problems were discovered last spring, she couldn't finish her school semester of school.
She's since completed two credits, earning marks of 85 and 90 per cent, and continues to upgrade her studies.
She's gained much insight into her condition, Lerner said, and has added some weight.
Lerner said she's "accomplished more than she ever hoped for in a short period of time . . . the credit goes to her."
While the quantity of drugs found was significant, Lerner said there's nothing probation could offer her for help.
"She has demonstrated commitment to overcome a hurdle in her life," he said, adding she wants to continue with some post-secondary education.
"Someone as bright as you and the future you have . . . can provide assistance for other young women," she said.
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