Former Nova Scotia teacher Amy Hood has been found guilty of four sexual offences involving former students.
Judge Del Atwood convicted the 39-year-old of sending sexual photos and messages to the victims, who were 15 and 17 at the time.
Hood is a mother of three and taught at an elementary school in Pictou County. Her lawyer says her career and marriage are ruined.
“She has had a tremendous amount of publicity - negative publicity,” said defence attorney Joel Pink. “A lot of it was unfair, and of course that will all come up during the sentencing process.”
Pink argued before the court that his client should be found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.
In Atwood’s decision, he agreed with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, but said the defence did not meet the burden of proof requirement.
Judge Atwood writes Hood, “is a highly educated professional who was raised with a good moral compass."
“What we will do is study the reasonings of Judge Atwood and make a decision as to whether or not we will go any further with it,” said Pink.
The Crown says the judge must consider Hood’s position as a teacher and the age of the victims during sentencing.
“I will be recommending actual incarceration,” said Crown prosecutor Bill Gorman.
Hood wasn't taken into custody on Wednesday. A sentencing hearing will take place in the summer.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.
