Teacher ‘sorry’ for sex

AN ADELAIDE teacher who admitted having a sexual relationship with one of her students has broken down while apologising to his parents in court.

Sonia Mackay faced the South Australian District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to the persistent sexual exploitation of a 17-year-old boy. Reading a letter of apology, the 43-year-old said she was “deeply sorry” for her actions and knows what she did was wrong.

“I am deeply regretful of my actions,” Mackay said. “Through my indecent actions I have brought great distress to (the victim) and his family.”

In a victim impact statement, the boy’s mother told the court Mackay had called her and asked for his phone number under the guise of helping him with his school work.

She said she became worried when her son stopped coming home for days at a time.

“When he attempted to come home she bought him expensive underwear and gifts so he had no excuse but to stay with her,” she said.

The boy’s mother recounted one incident when he did come home and Mackay called him and threatened self-harm.

The case will return to court in December.