A former teacher in Owen Sound has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a past student.
Superior Court Justice Bruce Durno imposed the sentence on Kristopher Seaman, 46, in an Owen Sound courtroom Monday, after the former teacher admitted to sexually exploiting a 16-17 year old female while he was working at a local school.
The name of the victim and details of the case that could identify her are protected under a court-ordered publication ban.
Seaman was arrested on Sept. 12, 2019 and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
The sexual assault charges against Seaman were withdrawn at request of the crown.
According to the agreed statement of facts read in court, Seaman engaged in multiple sexual encounters with the teenage female student over a period of time. The incidents occurred when Seaman was a teacher, and some involved him having sex with the female student in various locations, including in a school in the Bluewater District School Board.
The judge shared the victim felt “worthless” and suffered immense trauma from Seaman. Durno noted several aggravating factors were reviewed in considering sentencing: age and vulnerability of the victim were among them. The judge also reviewed character letters for Seaman and victim impact statements.
In addition to 22 months jail time, Seaman’s sentence includes three years of probation, a DNA order, a sex offender registration order for 20 years and a 10-year weapons prohibition.
Justice Durno said in the courtroom Seaman, a married father of two, lost his job as a teacher as a result of the criminal charges he faced.
The defence lawyer Scott Cowan read a letter from his client during the hearing, saying Seaman understands the hurt he caused and apologizes to the victim and her family.
The victim contacted Owen Sound Police in early September 2019 to report the incidents. Seaman was arrested days later and charged.
