Why was there even an appeal process in the first place? That's my question.
A former teacher (former for very good reasons) from Prince Albert has lost out (so far) in her quest to appeal a conviction she wound up with that stems from a happening from about two decades ago and I say "too bad so sad" - for her that is.
In April of last year Bonnie McLachlan (the teacher) was given an 18 month (conditional) sentence to be served in the community. The punishment includes house arrest, community service and a year's probation. She took her plight to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeals but to date she's been unsuccessful in her attempts to have the court order changed.
And I would have to say, here is the big reason why...
While a still a teacher back in 1993/94, a then 33 year old McLachlan reportedly had sexual relations with one of her students - a then 14 year old boy. Fourteen?!? What kind of a teacher does this? One who obviously lacks proper judgement and brains. I don't care how mature the boy may have seemed or what kind of thoughts were going through McLachlan's mind at the time, this is inexcusable. For a teacher and a professional to cross the line in this manner is completely unacceptable and deplorable - under any circumstance. Not only is this sexual exploitation as is the charge, it's rape really.
Needless to say, McLachlan went to trial for her discrepancies in 2001 but for whatever reason, she was acquitted at that time.
A more recent trial netted her the sentence I mentioned earlier and if you ask me, what she got is a slap on the wrist. If anything, the Court of Appeals should have come down on her harder.
Teachers are the people we entrust to guide and mentor our children. Fortunately the vast majority of them are worthy of that trust. When something like this happens a definite example needs to be set to send a message and set a precedence. As a responsible adult, this teacher should have known better, no "ifs" "ands" or "buts" about it.
Do the Canadian taxpayers a favor Ms. McLachlan and stay out of the courts. If the allegations are all true, you deserve every punishment you get.
