Edmonton teacher to be sentenced next month for sexual assault of former student
Crown prosecutors are seeking a sentence of between four and five years for an Edmonton music teacher convicted of sex crimes against a 15-year-old male former student.
Alyssa Tungul, 31, was found guilty in July of sexual assault and sexual interference.
At a sentencing hearing Friday, Crown Prosecutor Damon Macleod said he had invited the sexual assault count to be stayed.
He cited her position of authority and trust over the victim as an aggravating factor in sentencing for sexual interference.
“This is a temperate sentence,” Macleod said. “It is not so long that it would make rehabilitation and reintegration into the community impossible.”
He argued that while Tungul had shown prior good character she had also never shown real remorse for her actions.
"Ms. Tungul regrets being convicted. That is all."
Court also heard a statement read out by the victim’s mother describing how her son lost his love of music and struggled in school.
“My son was a victim, and a survivor. And, he will thrive regardless of your actions.”
Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Susan Bercov said she would reserve her decision until mid-December.
Defence lawyer Brian Vale is seeking a sentence of between 15 and 24 months to be served in the community, noting Tungul’s “otherwise blameless life.”
“She did commit a serious offence against a youth. But that was out of character for her,” he said.
"This was a situational offence ... there is no evidence to suggest this is a pattern.”
Tungul resigned as a teacher last March but had been on administrative leave since December of 2018 and suspended since May 2019.
“There is zero chance that she’ll ever teach again,” said Vale.
The student is now in his 20s and his identity remains protected by a publication ban.
Tungul was his music teacher in junior high and maintained a relationship with him after he graduated into high school,the court heard.
At trial, both the student and Tungul testified that they had sexual encounters but disagreed on who prompted those meetings and how often they happened.
She admitted to having sex with him in the basement of his cousin's house, but said he forced himself on her. The student told court the sex was consensual.
She was convicted of sexual interference in connection with a later incident where she performed oral sex in her car.
In her ruling, Bercov described the relationship as "inappropriate" and "improper."
"It is possible, even likely that this was developing or developed into an improper sexual relationship," Bercov ruled.
Tungul had pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and unlawful touching of a person under the age of 16.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.