Former teacher Noel Strapp goes to jail for sexually exploiting and sexually assaulting a teenage student he taught and coached.
Strapp, 39, was convicted in February and sentenced Tuesday in St. Louis County Court. John’s to four years for sexual exploitation and two years for sexual assault. Convictions will be served simultaneously.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary charged Strapp, a Harbor Main teacher, after a former student contacted police in 2019.
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Strapp will also be registered as a sex offender for 20 years, provide a DNA sample to a national database, and be barred from having a firearm for 10 years.
It is also forbidden to contact the former student.
Strapp is handcuffed after receiving his sentence at St John’s Provincial Court. (Luke Wall / CBC)
The Crown requested five years in prison, while the defense had recommended between 22 and 24 months, minus one day.
However, the Crown said it was pleased with Judge Phyllis Harris’ decision.
Harris told the court that Strapp was in a position of authority and that he took advantage of that position for his own benefit. He said the case was based almost entirely on the credibility of the witnesses and that he accepted the whistleblower’s version of the story: that he had Strapp in divine consideration and would do anything for his attention, approval, and flattery.
Following the verdict, the complainant was excited and made a brief but forceful comment on the decision.
“Karma is a bitch,” he said.
The sexual intercourse began when the complainant was 16 years old
The woman testified during the trial that a sexual relationship between her and Strapp began when she was 16 and while he was her teacher and coach in various sports.
He told the court the two had about 100 sexual interactions. It happened while he was at school, at Strapp’s house, in his children’s rooms and in his car, he said.
The woman also told the court that while in grades 11 and 12, she and Strapp exchanged sex images and videos via Snapchat, an app that removes messages once they are read by the recipient.
During Strapp’s trial, the court learned that he was very involved in the woman’s life and that she held him in high esteem. He regularly visited his home, had a close relationship with his wife and children, and participated in family events.
Strapp stated that he was very close to the woman and that she was like a little sister to him, but denied that there had ever been a sexual relationship.
Police recovered about 8,000 text messages between the two, eight of whom were of a sexual nature. Strapp stated that the sex messages were just a joke and told him to delete them, which he did. The messages were later retrieved from the woman’s laptop.
She testified that as a coach, Strapp enforced a strict training regimen and a nutrition plan that she said was a way to control and manipulate her for her own sexual benefit. He stated that it was only part of the job required to become an elite athlete.
Defense attorney Ian Patey said during a pre-sentencing hearing in May that Strapp’s career as a teacher is over.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association said it would not comment on the decision.
In a statement, the English school district of Newfoundland and Labrador said it does not comment on court decisions involving current or former employees.
“Although we can’t talk about this particular case, an individual charged with a felony is usually suspended for a fee when we learn of the allegations; “The statement said. .
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