MP alarmed after sex teacher freed

A Sunshine Coast MP has expressed alarm that a teacher who had sex with a 13-year-old boy has been allowed to walk free because she is a woman.

Elizabeth King leaves Maroochydore courthouse surrounded by family and media. Photo: Brett Wortman

A Sunshine Coast MP has expressed alarm that a teacher who had sex with a 13-year-old boy has been allowed to walk free because she is a woman.

Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mark McArdle, today said he was very concerned about the decision to release Elizabeth King who pleaded guilty to charges of indecent treatment of a boy 26 times between 1979 and 1982.

"Although I accept these offences occurred many years ago and under a different legal regime, the impact on the victim is none the less real."

"We have had a number of cases involving males sexually abusing children many years ago who are now in jail due to their conduct."

"I believe the message to be sent in regard to these types of offences must be consistent."

"I am concerned that this case may be perceived as sexual bias in an area of the law where no bias should apply."

"It is important the Attorney-General look at this matter closely to see whether or not there should be an appeal."

"Critically the law should be seen with an even hand to all who appear before it. If there is any suggestion that is not the case, then a matter should be appealed."

p>Judge Trafford-Walker told the court yesterday that psychological reports indicated it unlikely Mrs King would re-offend, and he described her as “emotionally immature” when she committed these offences.

He said Mrs King had physical disabilities including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, depression, hypertension and dry eye syndrome.

“It is unusual for this court to be dealing with offences ... where it was a female who sexually interfered with a young male. I don’t see any difference in relation to sentence,” he said.

“It’s clear you were a highly regarded teacher. Apart from this area you are a person of good character and standing within the community.

“Quite clearly you have shown remorse and that is a significant factor.”

Woman on verge of jail for crimes 30 years ago

She looked like any nanna, poised softly in her dusty-pink casual suit, but this former teacher was on the verge of jail yesterday for carnal mistakes she made 30 years ago.

The consequences of having sexual intercourse with a boy were not even written into Queensland law when Elizabeth Dorothy King was a teacher in Toowoomba in the 1970s and 1980s.

Yesterday, the 67-year-old woman pleaded guilty in Maroochydore District Court to the lesser charges of indecent treatment of a boy 26 times from 1979 to 1982.

The court heard the woman had taught the boy, who now lives on the Sunshine Coast, for two years at primary school but the sexual relationship did not begin until he was at high school, aged 13 to 16.

Mrs King was aged 37 to 41 when she maintained a sexual relationship with the boy at her Toowoomba home, her Sunshine Coast holiday home and in her car around the streets of Toowoomba.

Crown legal officer Lily Brisick said the offences came to police attention when the victim made a complaint in 2005.

She said the woman had groomed the boy extensively before engaging in the offences.

Ms Brisick said the victim had suffered depression, altered moods, poor concentration and self-harm since Mrs King’s “shockingly inappropriate conduct”.

“At the time of the defendant’s conduct, it was not illegal to have unlawful carnal knowledge with boys, only girls,” she said.

“It seems conduct such as the defendant’s was not considered as seriously as it would be today.

“The offences ... have had a significant impact on the complainant.”

Barrister Tony Kimmins said while Mrs King was the adult, there was no violence, force or need for secrets because there was an element of mutuality.

“Her escalating infatuation and adoration of the student seemed to be reciprocated,” he said.

He said the offending ceased voluntarily and argued his client had shown contrition, remorse and repentance through her guilty plea and immediate co-operation with police.

Mr Kimmins said Mrs King would face public shaming, and her imprisonment would create family hardship and she would end up in protective isolation.

“Any time in custody would be far harder on her than an able-bodied person,” he said.

“She will probably be the only person in custody for sexual offences against children … in the prison she will be sent to.”

Judge Gilbert Trafford-Walker initially indicated he was not swayed towards a wholly suspended sentence but after lengthy submissions from barrister Mr Kimmins, Mrs King walked free.

He suspended a three-year jail sentence, which will hang over Mrs King’s head for 3.5 years.

Judge Trafford-Walker said psychological reports indicated it unlikely Mrs King would re-offend, and he described her as “emotionally immature” when she committed these offences.

He said Mrs King had physical disabilities including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, depression, hypertension and dry eye syndrome.

“It is unusual for this court to be dealing with offences ... where it was a female who sexually interfered with a young male. I don’t see any difference in relation to sentence,” he said.

“It’s clear you were a highly regarded teacher. Apart from this area you are a person of good character and standing within the community.

“Quite clearly you have shown remorse and that is a significant factor.”

Originally published as MP alarmed after sex teacher freed