By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
WARNING: This story contains graphic depictions of sexual misconduct involving children.
A Port Hope teacher has pleaded guilty in a Peterborough courtroom to six sexual offenses involving minors. Kelly-Anne Jennings pleaded guilty to luring a minor through telecommunications and child pornography. Jennings, dressed in a black blazer, black pants and white shirt appeared for the hearing, entering a guilty plea voluntarily.
Agreed Statement of Facts
An agreed statement of facts was read to the court. Jennings communicated with the three former students through Snapchat. Jennings sent half nude and full nude photos of herself, as well as videos of her touching herself including masturbation to the victims. She requested that the victims too send her naked photos and videos as well. The victims sent photos and videos in return. The third victim forwarded the Snapchat material to Port Hope Police, who opened an investigation and eventually arrested her in August 2024.
Victim Impact Statement
Parents of the victims gathered in the public gallery to hear the proceedings.
The first of three victim impact statements were read by Crown Prosecutor JulieAnn Barrett. That victim described his outlook on older people and sports has changed and does not want anymore children to have a similar experience with a teacher, who was also involved with extra-curricular activities.
The family of the second victim considered Jennings a friend, as she taught three of the four children in that family. The parent described feeling shocked, betrayed, heartbroken for what the child had to endure, adding that Jennings manipulated her position of trust for her own sexual desires, as the boy viewed Jennings as a second mother. She said Jennings actions were predatory and deeply harmful. The parent said that no punishment will satisfy the crimes that have occurred and that Jennings be barred from teaching or being around children again.
The parent of the third victim said the crimes have deeply damaged the child, as grades have suffered, not wanting to attend school or play in sports. The child is also suffering physically, emotionally and mentally.
Barrett told the court that a four-year prison sentence be adjudicated, given the severity of the crimes, but also to send a message that sex offenses involving children should be strictly denounced. She explained that social media has allowed predators like Jennings easier access to children, stating that Jennings knew what she was doing, by asking the victims not to tell anyone about the material exchange. Barrett read case law from the Supreme Court of Canada which has imposed similar sentences in such cases. She said that this case involved real children, not police officers posing as children online. Barrett is calling for Jennings to be put on the sex offender registry for life.
The Defense is requesting a two year conditional sentence. Attorney Dean Embry told the court that at the time of the crimes, Jennings was depressed, there was infidelity in her marriage and that she was self medicating with alcohol. He explained that when Jennings communicated and sent material to the victims she was intoxicated. He said Jennings is now in counseling and that a prison sentence would halt much of her progress in therapy. Embry said a four-year sentence was much too high, and that Jennings has lost her job and community status. However he said she has support from family and friends.
The Crown stayed one count of sexual assault.
Jennings declined to address the court when given the opportunity to. When the matter was adjourned, she appeared emotionless.
Investigators alleged that a boy came forward accusing her of inappropriate touching on a school trip. The incidents occurred between June 2022 and April 2024 all taking place in the Port Hope area.
A few months after her initial arrest, Jennings was apprehended again for failing to abide by bail conditions, as she is accused of visiting public parks in Peterborough and Whitby. A publication ban is in effect to protect the identities of the minors.
Jennings will be sentenced Nov. 27 in Lindsay.
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
