Brantford, Ont.-area teacher accused of sexually abusing student in '90s pleads 'no contest,' licence revoked

Warning: This story contains references to sexual abuse.

The licence of a now-retired Brantford, Ont.-areateacher accused of sexually abusing a student between 1995 and 1998has been revoked after he pleaded "no contest."

Michael Sardine, who was with theGrand Erie District School Board, didn'tattend the Ontario College of Teachers' disciplinary hearing on Monday. But through his lawyer, Sardine entered the no contest plea, which means he's not contesting the allegations.

Lawyer Jordan Stone, representing the college, said it was clear Sardinesexually, emotionally and psychologically abused the student, whoseidentity isprotected under a publication ban. The student's age at the time of the abuse and school she attended havealso not been released.

The school board covers Norfolk, Haldimand and Brant counties in southern Ontario, as well asBrantford.

The misconduct began when Sardine pursued a sexual relationshipwith the student, and groomed her by giving her gifts and taking her to restaurants and events outside of school hours, and then to his house, Stone said.

Sardinewould discuss living with her and marrying each other, "ultimately culminating in sexual abuse.

"It's disgraceful, dishonourable misconduct."

Ex-teacher was still certified

Sardine's lawyer, Austen Metcalfe, told the disciplinarycommitteethat his client had no comments or submissions to add.

The victim also didn't speak at the hearing and wasn't required to testify because Sardine had pleaded no contest, Stone said.

Sardinehas been retired since 2021, but still helda certificate of qualification.

The disciplinary committee revoked thecertificate so he won't be allowed to teach againand will issue a written reprimand. These are the harshest penaltiesthe college can use and are mandatory under provincial registrationwhen a teacher is found guilty ofsexual misconduct.

Sardine became a teacher in 1988 and taught English and dramatic arts, says the college's website. Hedoesn't have a priorhistory of being disciplined.

Because he's already not teaching, Sardine's sentence will serve more as ageneral deterrent, rather than a specific deterrent, said Stone.

Revoking his licence is "sending a very serious message to the member and the profession and the public that conduct of this nature cannot be tolerated in any way, share or form," he said.

Neither Brantford police nor Ontario Provincial Police'sWest Region was aware of any criminal investigations involving Sardine as of July.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via thisGovernment of Canada websiteor theEnding Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.