Grant Geoffrey Martin, 45, lost his job at an Adelaide eastern suburbs primary school after his arrest in February.
He faced charges of producing child pornography, but was given a suspended sentence by the Adelaide District Court. Police found more than 3,000 chat logs on his computer from a child sex-slave forum.
Judge Paul Slattery said much of what Martin wrote of involved sadism and bestiality.
"I find it very disturbing indeed that a teacher of 20 years would engage in this kind of behaviour while continuing to teach children on a day-to-day basis," he said.
"Your counsel submits that your offending was not for the purpose of sexual gratification and more for escapism. I find that submission hard to believe."
The court was told Martin was confused about his gender and suffered workplace bullying. Was he also confused about whether or not he was human?
Judge Slattery said Martin's behaviour had brought shame to both himself and his family and had fractured their relationships.
The judge told Martin his offending encouraged others to exploit children even if Martin had not realised his actions were criminal.
"In your offending there is no child involved other than the imaginary child you created," he said.
"Offending of this type is so serious that even first-time offenders who have pleaded guilty can expect a custodial sentence." And yet?
Martin was given a jail sentence of three years and two months with a 20-month non-parole, but Judge Slattery said there was good reason to suspend the sentence and impose a $100 two-year bond.
"Your offending is very serious and I've only come to this point after a period of deep reflection," he said.
Judge Slattery said the courts had not dealt with such a matter before and it might be worth the Court of Criminal Appeal considering it. Let's hope so, and pray so.
He faced charges of producing child pornography, but was given a suspended sentence by the Adelaide District Court. Police found more than 3,000 chat logs on his computer from a child sex-slave forum.
Judge Paul Slattery said much of what Martin wrote of involved sadism and bestiality.
"I find it very disturbing indeed that a teacher of 20 years would engage in this kind of behaviour while continuing to teach children on a day-to-day basis," he said.
"Your counsel submits that your offending was not for the purpose of sexual gratification and more for escapism. I find that submission hard to believe."
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| Grant Martin |
Judge Slattery said Martin's behaviour had brought shame to both himself and his family and had fractured their relationships.
The judge told Martin his offending encouraged others to exploit children even if Martin had not realised his actions were criminal.
"In your offending there is no child involved other than the imaginary child you created," he said.
"Offending of this type is so serious that even first-time offenders who have pleaded guilty can expect a custodial sentence." And yet?
Martin was given a jail sentence of three years and two months with a 20-month non-parole, but Judge Slattery said there was good reason to suspend the sentence and impose a $100 two-year bond.
"Your offending is very serious and I've only come to this point after a period of deep reflection," he said.
Judge Slattery said the courts had not dealt with such a matter before and it might be worth the Court of Criminal Appeal considering it. Let's hope so, and pray so.
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