PICTOU, N.S. - A former Nova Scotia teacher who sexually abused two male students in their teens has issued a public apology to them and their parents.
Carolyn Amy Hood of Stellarton, N.S., read from a statement Thursday during her sentencing hearing in Pictou provincial court, saying she betrayed the trust of her former students at Thorburn Consolidated School, where she was a Grade 6 teacher.
Hood was found guilty in April of sexual interference, sexual exploitation and two counts of luring minors over the Internet for a sexual purpose.
The charges stem from offences in 2013 involving two former students who were 15 and 17 at the time.
Defence lawyer Joel Pink argued in court that his client -- diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2013 -- should be declared not criminally responsible for her actions due to mental illness, but Judge Del Atwood rejected that argument.
Hood is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14.
