Former Moncton teacher gets 14 years in prison for historic sex crimes

A former Moncton teacher has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sex crimes against former students.

Justice Jean-Paul Ouellette called Paul Maillet's actions "a flagrant violation of his authority," as he delivered his decision in French in a Moncton court room Monday.

Maillet, 78, was found guilty in January of 17 sex crimes against nine victims, some of whom were as young as 12 at the time.

The victims in this case cannot be named due to a publication ban.

At a prior proceeding, the Crown had recommended 14 years, and the defence recommended seven.

"Mr. Maillet sexually abused nine innocent children who were vulnerable and at his mercy," Ouellette said in French.

"Mr. Maillet stole the innocence of his victims. He inflicted intergenerational damage."

Ouellette said he considered several aggravating factors in his decision.

The fact that Maillet was in a position of authority in relation to his victims, the young ages and the number of the victims, the psychological manipulation and the fact that some crimes took place at a school played a role, Ouellette said.

The charges included gross indecency, sexual touching, indecent assault, sexual assault and possession of child pornography, related to incidents between 1967 and 2022. 

Maillet previously said in court he did not realize the impact his crimes could have on the victims later in life.

Ouellette referenced that comment Monday, expressing disbelief. 

"Hard to imagine that a teacher doesn't know the needs of a child, of his obligations toward them in a situation of confidence and authority," he said in French.

"He was the adult in the room."