50 CentA 16-year-old Indigenous boy was urged by a West Australian magistrate to follow the example of US rapper 50 Cent in an effort to steer him away from a life anchored in the criminal justice system.
As ABC reports, Geraldton Magistrate Dean Potter was handing down his sentence in a case where the defendant was facing 49 theft and burglary charges relating to property worth more than $10,000.
Noting the teen's tumultuous home life, which the national broadcaster indicates "involved witnessing domestic violence, alcoholism and drug use", Potter made reference to the difficult and often violent upbringing that 50 Cent — real name Curtis Jackson — endured in New York.
"Like you, 50 Cent came from the most tragic, traumatic circumstances," Potter said. "He was able to rise above them through sheer hard work and dedication.
"I think you have the potential to do the same and avoid a life in that criminal justice system."
The boy was sentenced to six months under an intensive supervision order as well as 40 hours of community service after pleading guilty to 14 burglary charges; deeming parental discipline satisfactory in place of further punitive measures, Magistrate Potter did not sentence him for the remaining 35.
According to the ABC, this was in part due to Potter's awareness of Indigenous issues in the WA judicial system, the magistrate telling the teen, "As a young Aboriginal man, if you end up in that system, your chances of turning your life around will only grow slimmer."
You don't want to be part of the problem, you want to be part of the solution," Potter said. "In 10 years I want to look you up and see your successes.
"If people were able to walk a mile in your shoes, I think they'd be as astounded by you as I am."
