Watch above: A former Saskatchewan teacher, guilty of child luring for sex, will have to wait to learn his fate. Meaghan Craig says the judge has reserved his decision for two weeks.
SASKATOON – A former teacher convicted in March of luring a former student for sex has been allowed to walk free, for now. Sentencing was scheduled on Monday for Jayson Kennard but the trial judge reserved his decision until later this month.
The 40-year-old was arrested in September 2013 after sending explicit messages to a 16-year old former student propositioning the teen for sex over the internet more than once.
Kennard taught the boy at Dundonald School when he was in Grade 6. Kennard then proceeded to contact him through a private Facebook message when the teen was in Grade 9.
The messages were reported to police in August 2013 after the victim’s mother discovered them on her son’s Facebook page.
During a police investigation, Kennard initiated further sexual conversations unknowingly with a member of the force who was posing as the victim. He was arrested shortly thereafter.
“Wildly inappropriate behavior,” said the Crown seeking an 18-month jail term for the actions followed by probation.
READ MORE: Former Saskatoon teacher guilty of child luring
The Crown argued that Kennard was focused on the teen, he was attracted to him and groomed the teen over a long period of time.
Court also heard a victim impact statement from the mother of the teen read on her behalf by Crown prosecutor Michael Segu.
“This whole thing has been a complete nightmare for us.”
She wrote of the traumatic impact Kennard’s actions had on her teenage son, who suffers from severe depression, anxiety and has attempted to commit suicide several times.
“You claim you thought he was 18. You are a teacher, I assume you can do the math.”
The teen, still not 18-years-old, cannot be named because of a publication ban.
The defence has asked the judge for a 12-month sentence and said Kennard is remorseful. Kennard has no criminal record and letters of support for Kennard from family and friends were submitted to the judge for review.
Brad Mitchell, Kennard’s lawyer, said his client behavior was a culmination of several factors over a long period of time.
Kennard was involved in risky sexual behavior, he was addicted to marijuana, was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, was depressed and experienced a lifetime of bullying because of his sexual orientation.
Up until this point in time, it was argued Kennard had an excellent reputation and was highly-regarded as a teacher.
“He’s lost friends, family and his career.”
When asked by the judge if he would like to say anything, Kennard wept.
“My life for the last 21 months has been hell,” said Kennard. “I’ve had to face my family and friends and tell them what happened.”
Kennard described how the day of his arrest was the best and worst day of his life. He had hit rock bottom but would now get the help he required.
Kennard promised the judge that he would spend his time in jail becoming “mentally stable, mentally stronger.”
He also apologize for any wrongdoing to the teen and told the judge:
“I should have never talked to him in the first place.”
Kennard will now learn his fate on May 15.
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