Harvey James Klok, 48, who earlier pleaded guilty to sexual assault for abusing a then-18-year-old male student at Edmonton Christian High School between Sept. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2004, was also banned for life from ever working or volunteering in a position of trust with children.
Provincial Court Judge Michael Allen rejected a defence submission for a sentence served in the community, saying an actual custodial sentence was required because denunciation and deterrence were pressing concerns.
“The circumstances of the case require strong denunciation because of Mr. Klok’s reprehensible betrayal of trust,” said Allen. “Teachers who occupy positions of trust ought to know that if they abuse their position of trust by having sexual relations with students, that they can expect imprisonment.”
The judge called it a “troublesome and tragic” case, troublesome because of the “serious breach of trust” and tragic because it “severely affected” both of their lives.
Allen also ruled it was further aggravating that Klok had groomed and abused a “naive and vulnerable” young man who looked upon him as a “trusted” friend and mentor.
“His abuse of power was systematic, callous and reprehensible,” said Allen. (more...)
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