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'Monstrous' Calgary teacher gets 5-year prison sentence for sexual relationship with student

'Monstrous' Calgary teacher gets 5-year prison sentence for sexual relationship with student

A Calgary teacher who had a three-year sexual relationship with a student beginning when she was 14 years old has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Adam MacPhearson, 37, was the girl's Grade 8 homeroom teacher. Their relationship lasted three years during which he infected her with genital herpes, court heard.

"I don't have any forgiveness in me at this time," said his victim outside the courtroom on Thursday.

As he sentenced the father of three, Judge Harry Van Harten detailed a "lengthy period of abuse" that began in 2011.

"His behaviour was monstrous," said Van Harten.

The fact that he was a well respected teacher is what enabled him to gain access to the girl, according to Van Harten.

MacPhearson pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and sexual interference last year.

The manipulation of the child began when she shared personal details with her teacher including struggles she was having at home, court heard.

The abuse stopped in February, 2014 when she told her counsellor and then police.

MacPhearson then confessed to his wife before checking himself into hospital for mental health issues.

The girl's victim impact statement according to Van Harten was a "brave and powerful presentation" during which she detailed explicitly the psychological harm she has endured.

When given the opportunity, MacPhearson apologized. His lawyer says his remorse is genuine.

"He knew what he'd done was wrong, was illegal and forever will traumatize and has affected this girl," said defence lawyer Cory Wilson.

Until now, a publication ban had prevented identifying MacPhearson in order to protect his victim while she finished school. But the prosecution successfully applied to have that lifted Thursday.

The victim, now a young woman, said she was "pleased with the result," but said she is "still upset."