Aussie Teacher Sex Scandal

(Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia) Here's a story of a teacher-student sex scandal from down under which, frankly, is sketchy on the details. I'll relay the salient points as I understand them.

- In 2003, a 29-year-old special needs teacher at Carenne Public School in Bathurst, Anna Blackburn, ended a months-long sexual relationship with a special needs student.

- Once the relationship was exposed, Ms. Blackburn lost her job. The student then sued Ms. Blackburn on grounds that the relationship had caused him to become a criminal. Consequently, Ms. Blackburn was ordered to pay the student $120,293.

- Afterward, the boy named David Withyman, now an adult, repeatedly accosted Ms. Blackburn and beat the holy bejeesus out of her. Ms. Blackburn was ultimately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

- As a result of being violently attacked, Ms. Blackburn then sued Mr. Withyman for damages and a court awarded her $69,475.

- Current status appears to be that Mr. Withyman has an outstanding suit filed against the school system for not protecting him while Ms. Blackburn steadfastly denies ever having had sex with Mr.Withyman.

District Court Judge Michael Elkaim is giving the parties time by staying his judgment for the respondent in the case against the school. An appeal is expected.

Tip: JR