88-Year-Old Teacher Sentenced for Abuse in the 1980s

WARNING: This story references sexual assault and thoughts of suicide. Help line information appears at the bottom.

A former elementary school teacher from Burlington and Hamilton has been sentenced to over five years behind bars for sexually assaulting seven male students during the 1980s.

Barbara Baxter, who is now 88, was found guilty in February on seven counts of sexual assault and acts of gross indecency.

Justice Kendra Coats announced her sentencing decision during a hearing at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Milton on January 13.

Baxter was first reported to law enforcement in June 2022 after a man informed Halton police that he had been sexually abused at Pineland Public School in Burlington when he was in Grade 8, back in the early ’80s.

Baxter would have been in her 40s then while the victims were just entering their teenage years.

In February 2023, another man came forward with similar claims of abuse.

Authorities indicated that three more men also shared their stories about incidents occurring between 1983 and 1987 at both the school and Baxter’s home in Burlington.

The identities of these former students are kept confidential under a publication ban.

During Baxter’s sentencing, victim impact statements revealed how one former student expressed feeling unsafe both at school and home, leading him to use drugs as a way to cope when he was just 13.

This individual described feeling like his voice had been taken away by those who held authority over him as a child. He stopped speaking up about his experiences because no one believed him.

Baxter worked for the Halton District School Board in the 1980s. (Halton District School Board)

Another victim stated that the emotional scars have persisted through many years.

This person mentioned that stress and trauma affected his health, causing sleepless nights filled with nightmares about what happened. He also voiced feelings of anger and disgust regarding how he lost his childhood innocence due to these events.

Victim describes impact as ‘mental torture’

A different victim characterized Baxter’s abuse as “mental torture.”

This individual stated that for over four decades, he’s dealt with lingering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression brought on by what transpired; adding that Baxter’s actions left him grappling with long-term financial difficulties and emotional pain.

The traumatic experiences even led him to contemplate suicide, severely affecting his capacity to live fully or maintain healthy relationships.

During sentencing arguments , defense attorney Carson Hurley claimed that Baxter’s advanced age along with how much time has passed since these offenses should be considered since they occurred decades ago.

Hurley pointed out that Baxter has no prior criminal history , suggesting her behavior was an isolated incident , noting she enjoys strong family support indicating stability which may aid rehabilitation.

The court heard that Baxter suffers from significant age-related health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes , and high blood pressure ; her arthritis has caused severe physical decline rendering her wheelchair-bound.

Hurley contended incarceration could worsen her health conditions leading to considerable discomfort ; he highlighted collateral consequences given her personal circumstances – notably an elderly husband depending upon each other for daily assistance.

Crown stresses lasting effects of abuse

However Kelli Frew representing Crown emphasized considering substantial harm inflicted upon child victims due sexual abuse.

Frew argued aggravating factors were significant since Baxter held a teaching position where she wielded trust & authority over vulnerable children entrusted into care.

According Frew’s analysis age gap between herself & child victims compounded misconduct accentuating their vulnerability.

She said victim statements illustrate profound impacts emphasizing need deterrence & denunciation during sentencing process.

Prior serving Halton District School Board , Baxter previously worked within Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board ( HWDSB ).

A HWDSB spokesperson informed CBC Hamilton she served under previous Hamilton Board Education from1961 until1968.

For anyone impacted by sexual assault numerous resources exist via crisis lines & local services accessible through Ending Violence Association Canada database.

If you or someone you know struggles mental health here’s where look help:

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