Female teacher jailed after month-long relationship with student

A teacher at a Catholic boy’s college in Adelaide has been jailed after a month-long illicit sexual relationship with one of her students.

The judge said that she must have been living in a “fantasy land” when she committed the gross breach of trust.

Sonia Mackay, 43, admitted to having sex multiple times with a student at Christian Brothers College, where she taught English.

The mother-of-two engaged in sexual activity with the student at his family home, her home, in the elevator of her apartment block, and in her car.

They were also seen walking hand-in-hand in public.

“Your behaviour was manipulative and unforgivable,” Judge Liesl Chapman told Mackay on Wednesday, sentencing her to four and a half years in jail.

“You seemed to have lost touch with reality – you were living in some sort of fantasy land.

“He should have been safe at school, there to develop and mature in his own time.”

Judge Chapman added: “I know you’re terrified of jail, it will be difficult and crushing for you.”

Mackay’s crimes had a devastating impact on the young boy and his family.

The judge said that while the relationship only lasted a month, it was “emotionally charged and sexually intense.”

Mackay sobbed when the judge said her actions were too serious to warrant a suspended sentence or home detention.

She will spend a minimum of two years and one month behind bars.

Her lawyer is considering an appeal.

“Obviously she’s very remorseful, we’ll have to consider our position,” lawyer Stephen Ey said.

“We’ll do what we can to get her out.”