Teacher jailed for ‘unforgivable’ abuse of teen student

A teacher who groomed a male student for a “sexually intense” month-long “fantasy land” of abuse has been jailed for her “manipulative and unforgivable” crime

Sonia Ruth Mackay, right, outside the District Court. Picture: AAP/David Mariuz.

A teacher who groomed a male student for a "sexually intense" month-long "fantasy land" of abuse has been jailed for her "manipulative and unforgivable" crime.

Sonia Ruth Mackay appeared shocked, and wept openly, as the District Court on Wednesday refused to suspend her jail term or allow her to serve it on home detention.

Judge Liesl Chapman said the mother of two had breached trusts, destroyed families and ruined a young man's life simply to satisfy her own sexual needs.

"You were overwhelmed by personal grief, sadness, confusion and feelings of inadequacy at the time, but your behaviour was manipulative and unforgivable," she said.

"It's evident to me you could not have been thinking straight … you had lost touch with reality and were living in a fantasy land (for) an emotionally-charged and sexually intense month.

"Your offence is simply too serious, and there is an important need for sentencing to deter others - I do not believe suspension would adequately reflect that requirement."

Mackay following her arrest.

Mackay, 43, of Henley Beach, pleaded guilty to one count of persistent exploitation of a child - a former student of hers whose name is suppressed.

She offended against the young man last year in the southern suburbs.

Under state law, the age of sexual consent is 17 - however, that age increases to 18 if one of the parties involved is in a position of authority over the other.

Last month, the former student told the court Mackay had manipulated and groomed him, robbing him of two years of his life "so far".

He said he felt forced to choose between his family and Mackay, due to her threats of self-harm and the expensive gifts she purchased for him.

The former student said he had also suffered abuse from his peers who had accused him of being a rapist rather than a victim.

Mackay apologised in court, saying she was "deeply sorry" for having "ruined" his childhood and abusing him "at a time when he needed support".

Her counsel insisted she suffered from low self-esteem, social anxiety and a dependent personality.

In sentencing on Wednesday, Judge Chapman said Mackay pursued the student first by email, then text and Snapchat, prompting the first incident of sexual abuse.

She went on to sexually abuse him in her apartment, in an elevator, in his home, in her car and in public areas including a reserve.

Mackay also supplied alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis to the student during the abuse.

Judge Chapman said Mackay's marriage had ended, and her beloved father had died, just prior to her offending.

"That explains, but does not excuse, you behaviour," she said.

"I accept you are remorseful, have good prospects of rehabilitation (and) present a low risk of sexual reoffending.

"Nevertheless, he was your student - he should have been safe at school, there to develop and mature in his own time."

She imposed a non-parole period of two years and two months.

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