Cape Breton teacher facing sex charges involving former student

A high school teacher in Cape Bretonhas been released from custody on five sex-related charges involving a former student.

Lawrence Summerell, 51, is a teacher at Memorial High School in Sydney Mines.

The Reserve Mines man facestwo charges of sexual assault, two of luring a child under the age of 18, and one of sexual exploitation.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between January and June of 2017.

The Crown originally opposed Summerell's release.

But during a brief court appearance in Sydney, Summerell's lawyer, Joel Pink, said he and the Crown had agreed on the terms of release.

They include that he not have any contact with the complainant or her family;that he not have any contact with a person under the age of 18, with the exception of family;that he not attend a park or school ground, or anywhere where persons under the age of 18 might be present;and that he not use a computer or any other electronic device, or access the internet.

He must also allow police to conduct random searches at his home.

In court, Summerell, dressed in a striped, collared T-shirt and jeans, indicated that he understood the conditions and would abide by them.

He returns to court Oct.3to enter a plea.

Crown attorney Steve Melnick told reporters outside courthe doesn't believe parents or students at Memorial High School need to be worried.

"I think the appropriate steps have been taken, charges have been laid, terms have been dealt with, " said Melnick.

"The school board is looking after it from what I understand, soI don't think there's any concern to parents at this point, or the children in the school, for that matter."

The Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education reached out to parentsTuesday by text and email, saying that an employee of Memorial Highwas facing criminal charges.

"We want to inform you the employee is not at work," the message read.

Officials did not identify Summerellor reveal the nature of the charges in the message.

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