Former Airdrie teacher to serve 28 months in prison
By: Matt Durnan
| Posted: Friday, Nov 29, 2013 11:58 am
Former Airdrie George McDougall High School teacher John Christopher Miller was sentenced by Judge John D. Bascom to 28 months in prison for sexual exploitation on Nov. 29 in Airdrie Provincial Court.
Miller entered a guilty plea to charges of sexual exploitation to charges issued on Oct. 10.
He will serve an additional one- day sentence for breach of probation, ann offencse that normally carries a sentence of 30 days, but was reduced to one for Miller in lieu foofr time already served while he was under psychological evaluation.
Bascom urged Miller to make use of his background in teaching while he is incarcerated.
“Many people in prisons have minimal education, I would encourage you to use your background in education to help others while you serve your sentence,” said Bascom.
Crown Prosecutor Richelle Freiheit was satisfied with the sentence, though she had been seeking a sentence between three and four years.
“This sentence is in line with others in cases like this,” said Freiheit. “This sends a message that a sexual relationship between a teacher and student is not acceptable.”
Miller will be required to provide a DNA sample and will be registered under the Sexual Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) for the next 20 years.
Miller’s Defense Attorney Steve Eichler declined comment following the sentencing.