Hamilton high school teacher sentenced to 30 months behind bars for sexually assaulting four students
A Hamilton Catholic high school teacher was sentenced to 30 months behind bars for sexually assaulting four former students over a 13-year span.
Brian Boyle, who worked at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School when he was charged last year, pleaded guilty Sept. 15 to four counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual interference.
In addition to his roughly two-and-a-half year prison sentence, Boyle, 54, was added to the registered sex offenders list and given a lifetime ban from working with children under the age of 16.
The assaults on the four students occurred between 2002 and 2015, court heard, and in various settings, including Boyle's own classroom and car, a victim's basement, a Hess Village bar and a movie theatre.
In an agreed statement of facts, court heard Boyle groomed" his vulnerable victims, first luring them in with his charm as the cool, young teacher" before exploiting them sexually and emotionally through flirting and groping.
One student reported texting Boyle regularly after he caught her using a phone in class. The messages grew increasingly sexual in nature, she said, and Boyle began commenting on her appearance more frequently.
Once, when she was 17, she stayed behind after class and Boyle closed the door. Wearing a school uniform kilt, court heard Boyle, then 35, asked her to sit on his desk before he rubbed her legs and thighs.
He told her how much he wanted to have sex with her and couldn't wait for her to turn 18," according to the agreed statement of facts.
Two months later, when the victim was 18, she was home alone and texted Boyle to come over. They engaged in sexual intercourse - something court heard continued to happen during breaks in the school day.
Court heard Boyle communicated with multiple victims over instant message, text and email. He used sexually explicit language in those communications, including one where he talked to a student about anal sex.
Other examples in the agreed statement of facts regarding the teacher's behaviour included unwanted sexual advances on school grounds or at after-school events.
One victim recalled walking up the stairs at school during exam season when she was confronted by Boyle, who stuck his arm out and restricted her from moving. He tried to kiss her but she ran away, court heard.
Another victim reported Boyle driving her home after a school-sanctioned fundraising event. Without notice, he pulled into an empty parking lot and began kissing her, rubbing her breasts and vaginal area," court heard.
Two students read victim impact statements for the court and two others were read by the Crown.
The victims - whose names can't be published due to a publication ban - described how Boyle's assaults haunted their lives and made them feel vulnerable in the presence of male teachers.
One woman spoke of confiding in Boyle because he was admired by everyone" and made me feel safe." Then came the comments about her appearance, the texting, the touching in class.
I still have nightmares," she said, later touching on the fears she now harbours for her own kids. How will I ever know they can go to school and this won't happen to them?"
A second victim said her sexual interactions with Boyle left her with a skewed perception about relationships.
The emotional impact on my life cannot be overstated," she said. I was so unworthy of being loved that I could only prove I had worth by sexually satisfying someone else."
Another victim added: I shouldn't have to feel your guilt or carry your shame but I do."
Before sentencing, Boyle addressed his victims and apologized, saying he blames no one other than himself.
I know what I did was wrong and I am truly sorry," he said. None of what happened was your fault ... As your teacher, you should've been able to trust me. I failed in this regard and I hate myself for it."
Justice Joe Fiorucci said he was encouraged by Boyle's plea and willingness to rehabilitate, but noted no sentence of any length will be able to wash away the harm" caused by his actions.
Resources for survivors of sexual violence:
SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton and Area): 24-hour support line 905-525-4162; sacha.ca.
Children's Aid Society - intake line: (905) 522-1121.
Catholic Children's Aid Society - intake line: (905) 525-2012.
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton): 905-875-1555.
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences: 905-521-2100 ext. 73557.
Sebastian Bron is a reporter at The Spectator. sbron@thespec.com