EDMONTON – Harvey Klok, a former high school teacher, was sentenced Monday to nine months behind bars for sexually assaulting a student nearly 10 years ago.
The 48-year-old is also banned for life from being “in a position of trust” – employed or volunteer – with children under the age of 16.
Earlier, during the sentencing hearing, Klock sobbed as he apologized to the student he sexually assaulted.
“All of this was my doing,” Klok said in court. “I have felt nothing but disgrace for what I have done. I am sorry.”
In September 2004, an Edmonton Christian High School student went to Klok with a personal problem and, according to an Agreed Statement of Facts, the teacher told his student he could be cured with a 12-step program. It started with locking eyes and touching and gradually led to a sexual assault.
Klok, 48, was charged with sexual assault in May 2013. By the end of that year, he had pleaded guilty.
The victim – who cannot be identified – spoke with Global News shortly after talking about his ordeal in court Friday.
“Starting in high school, I was just groomed and brought to a place where I was vulnerable and felt that I didn’t have a choice in the matter,” the 27-year-old recalled.
He added that the grooming process occurred over a long period of time.
“I was sexually abused and taken advantage of in a physical and emotional way, and even a spiritual way.”
Since the time of the assault, he says he’s faced depression and disturbing sexual thoughts. He’s also battled suicidal thoughts.
“I just wanted the pain to be gone. Whatever I could do for that to happen, I would try.”
Now, he says his role isn’t to decide Klok’s fate.
“Really, what I am concerned with is just that it doesn’t happen to anyone else and that Harvey changes for the better and he finds a sense of purpose in his life. That’s important to me. I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”
The Crown is asking for a sentence of between nine and 12 months behind bars followed by two years probation.
The Defence says, considering Klok faces no new allegations and is no longer a teacher, a conditional sentence of up to 15 months is more appropriate.
The former student said seeing Klok in court brought up emotions he wasn’t expecting.
“I was angrier than I thought I would be. I was angrier. I guess I didn’t know what to expect.”
“I felt a bit numb,” he added. “I felt a bit of anger… I felt a bit of relief.”
For the 27-year-old, therapy and being there in court helps him heal.
“It’s always going to be with me, but I’m able to look at it in a different light.”
“I think it’s important to have the intention to forgive every day,” he said. “I’m not saying I’m perfect, I think it’s very difficult, there are some days I don’t want to, but I have to try.”
Klok’s sentencing has been pushed back to May 12.
With files from Laurel Gregory, Global News
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