Four 9-year-old boys publicly apologized for breaking branches on the flowering fruit trees at Hellertown’s Detwiller Plaza late last week at Monday night’s borough council meeting.
Detwiller Plaza, Hellertown
“I know it was wrong and I’ll never do it again,” said one of the boys.
“I’m sorry for breaking your tree branch,” said another. “I was bored and when I’m bored I sometimes get in trouble.”
Borough manager Cathy Hartranft explained that the public apology was arranged in lieu of any criminal mischief charges being filed against the boys because of their young ages.
The incident was witnessed by borough employees, she said.
Each boy was accompanied at the meeting by a parent, and read from a written statement.
“I knew it was wrong when the kids I was with started breaking the branch, and I told them so,” one of the boys told council. “I knew that hurting nature is almost as bad as hurting an animal. In the future I will be more careful about who I hang out with.”
“I’m sorry for what I did. I learned my lesson,” said his friend. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
Borough council president Tom Rieger thanked the boys for their apology, and encouraged them to “hit the library” or a playground if they’re bored in the future.
“I’m sure your punishment was probably more severe at home,” he added.
“It took a lot for you guys to come and do it,” said councilman John Bate. “Thank you.”
Saucon Source agreed not to publish the names of the boys, in light of their ages and the fact that they will not be facing any additional official punishment.
