(Photo credit: Facebook)
A teacher charged with numerous offences was released from custody following a bail hearing on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Cobourg Court.
Kelly-Anne Jennings (age 40) has been a teacher at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Port Hope for approximately eight years. The school is operated by the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.
Jennings was charged on August 29 with sexual assault and sexual interference regarding a youth.
Jennings was released on a undertaking following her arrest.
Further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Port Hope Police said they identified “additional victims” that had previously attended the school.
A search warrant was conducted at the home of Jennings in Peterborough and Jennings was re-arrested and charged with 16 additional offences involving three additional victims who were former students of Jennings.
3 x CC 171.1(1)(b) Distributes Sexually Explicit Material to a Person Under 16 years of age
7 x CC 172.1(1)(b) Luring a Person Under 16 years of age by means of Telecommunication
2 x CC 163.1(4.1) Access any Child Pornography
2 x CC 152 Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 years of age
2 x CC 163.1(2) Makes, Prints, Publishes or Possesses for the Purpose of Publication any Child Pornography
During the bail hearing a publication ban was issued that would identify any of the victims.
Jennings appeared by video from the Port Hope Police Station before Justice of the Peace Jack LeBlanc and Assistant Crown Attorney Tony Sferruzzi and Defense Attorney Paul Socka.
Along with being a teacher, Jennings coaches a number of sports teams at the school and is a very popular teacher with her students.
During the bail hearing, Jennings husband took the stand and testified he would be a surety and taken responsibility all conditions imposed by the court on his wife would be complied with or he would notify authorities.
With no criminal record, the Crown did not oppose Jennings release but did impose strict conditions on the release.
Justice Leblanc did say the allegations are “horrendous” but stated Jennings is “innocent until proven guilty.”
“The Supreme Court, the Charter of Rights and The Criminal Code would suggest that someone without a criminal record should in fact be released if it can be done so safely into the community.”
With both the Assistant Crown and the Defense attorney not opposing the release, Leblanc is legally obligated release the suspect.
Jennings was released on bail to her husband with a $10,000 deposit with strict conditions that she reside with the surety in a weapons free zone.
Would notify Port Hope Police within 24 hours of any change in address.
No communication with alleged victims and witnesses and not be within 100 metres of the victims, where they work or attend school.
Not be in the company of or communicate directly or indirectly with male or females under the age of 16 unless directly in the presence of her surety
Not attend a public park, or public swimming area where person’s under the age of 16 are present, school, community centre or playground without being in the company of her surety.That she not seek or continue any paid or unpaid activity that involves in the position of trust or authority towards a person under the age of 16.
Jennings returns to court on October 9, 2024.
The Port Hope Police are also encouraging anyone further with information to contact the Port Hope Police Service in person, via phone at 905-885-8123 or via email at phps@phps.on.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
