A former teacher in Saskatchewan has been found not guilty of sexual exploitation of a student.
Erin Osmond was 27 when she allegedly started a relationship with a 15-year-old boy who was her student at a high school in Watrous.
During the trial, court heard that Osmond had been a substitute teacher and the two began a sexual relationship in March 2013, shortly after her contract at the school ended.
The charge of sexual exploitation requires the Crown to prove that the accused was in a position of authority or trust for a person over the age of 16, but younger than 18.
While the judge said there was plenty of reason to call the relationship between Osmond and the boy inappropriate, he noted there wasn't enough evidence to call it illegal.
Specifically, the judge noted that at 16, the boy was old enough to legally give consent. He then pointed to testimony and text messages where it appeared as if the boy was in control of the relationship.
The judge also noted that the boy bragged to at least a dozen of his friends after the two had sex.
Looking relieved after the verdict, Osmond hugged her defence lawyer and left the courthouse.
Watrous is about 115 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon.
(CKOM)
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