Dubbo Teacher didn't know she was breaking the law by having sex with a student

Extract from the Daily Liberal:
Jailing a former Dubbo teacher who had consensual sex with one of her students would do more harm than good, District Court Judge Stephen Walmsley determined yesterday.
The married woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was in Dubbo District Court for sentence. She had previously entered guilty pleas on two charges of sexual intercourse with a person aged 16 to 17 years under her care.

Judge Walmsley convicted the teacher and imposed suspended prison sentences of 21 months and nine months. She was required to enter into good behaviour bonds and accept supervision and guidance from the Probation and Parole Service for the duration of the sentences.

Judge Walmsley said the purpose of punishment was to assist in the rehabilitation of the offender.

Given the psychological history of the teacher he determined a full-time custodial sentence would cause harm and set back her rehabilitation and ability to contribute to society.