A tutor who had a six-week sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl has been jailed for three years four months.
Crown prosecutor Marcus Zintl told Christchurch District Court the offending had been a gross breach of trust on the victim and on society. The 38-year-old man had been in a position of power and authority and he had sexually exploited the teenager.
"She had confided in him, and he was aware how fragile she was," said Mr Zintl.
The victim now had depression, nightmares, and suffered from low self-esteem.
Defence counsel Nick Rout said that it had not been predatory behaviour because the couple had been genuine friends and the feelings had been reciprocated. The man was now willing to attend a Stop programme for sex offenders, and had admitted that he made "a huge mistake".
Judge Philip Moran said the offending had been premeditated, determined, and repetitive. The girl had been vulnerable and the offending had a severe impact on her.
He referred to the disparity in age between the two, but described the man as being " a responsible and contributing member of the community" who was showing genuine remorse.
The man cannot be named.
