A former Tasmanian school principal has been sentenced to four years in jail for historical sexual offences against an underage student.
65-year-old Wynyard man Alexander Vere Downes pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault and three counts of penetrative sexual abuse of a child that occurred between 1989 and 1991.
The court heard that Downes’ first offence as a teacher began when he was 31 years old, and that he engaged in both protected and unprotected sexual intercourse with his then 14-year-old student.
The sexual offences took place in various locations, including a bush outside of the student’s school.
Despite making a significant contribution to the community through his career and involvement in various organisations, Downes’ reputation has been “left in tatters”, Justice Pearce said.
In sentencing, Justice Robert Pearce acknowledged that Downes had long regarded his actions as a great mistake.
However, he also noted that Downes had escaped punishment for more than 30 years and had enjoyed the benefit of advancing his career.
At the time of the offending, there were rumours circulating in the community about Downes’ relationship with a young girl.
The parents of the victim later became aware of the situation and informed the school principal of Downes’ offences.
However, police were not notified of the offending, and Downes was transferred to a different school department.
The victim impact statement read out by Justice Pearce highlighted the “adverse lifelong psychological impacts” the victim had suffered as a result of the abuse.
Justice Pearce emphasised the seriousness of the breach of trust in this case, as the student was under Downes’ care and supervision.
Downes will be eligible for parole on February 21, 2025.
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