North Savo teacher sentenced for aggravated sexual abuse of pupil

A teacher who sexually abused a 15-year-old pupil has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, Yle reports. The North Savo District Court convicted her of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and aggravated abuse of public office.

The offences took place in spring and early summer 2019, when the woman was teaching at the pupil’s lower secondary school. The court said she sought to build a trusting relationship with the child and also met them outside school, in her car.

The woman admitted kissing and touching the child but denied touching them under their clothes or going further. The pupil said they had attempted intercourse several times and eventually succeeded. According to the pupil, they also agreed to keep the meetings secret.

The child later told someone about what had happened. That person testified in court. The pupil said the events had caused them considerable distress.

The court ordered the teacher to pay the pupil 7,000 euros in compensation for suffering. The ruling is not final and can be appealed.