Three former students at Toronto’s St. Michael’s College School were sentenced to two years probation on Dec. 19 for their part in sexual assaults committed on campus in 2018.
The teens had pleaded guilty to assault and sexual assault in November. One of the teens, who recorded a sexual assault on his cellphone, also had pleaded guilty to making child pornography.
Footage was broadcast widely on social media shortly after the Nov. 7, 2018 incident and showed a student being assaulted with what appeared to be a broomstick.
The three were among seven students originally charged in connection with two gang sexual assaults at the school and an alleged assault with a weapon. All three incidents involved members of the school’s junior football team. Charges were withdrawn against one of the boys in August.
None of the students charged can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Cases against two other students have ended but the outcomes are unknown. One student’s case is scheduled to go to trial next year. All seven boys left the school in the wake of the incidents — four were expelled and three withdrew.
The incidents prompted a review of the culture at the school, which was released Aug. 15. The four-person review committee made 36 recommendations to address bullying at the school.
St. Michael’s has begun implementing plans to combat bullying, including development of a comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention strategy, a review of policies and guidelines and a reorganization of the athletic and co-curricular programs. These efforts involve students, parents, alumni and other school stakeholders.