statutory rape states that it is an offence to have sexual
intercourse with anyone that is below 16 years old, including
situations in which the teenager consented to sex.
Tat was the reason the New Paper photographer was found guilty too
a couple of years back... tho the 15 yr old gal consented to sex,
it is still a crime under the law as she is underaged.
As a teacher, and older with access to more information, he should
have been aware of the law. He should have also been aware of his
responsibility and accountability of his profession -- a teacher.
At the same time, he had clearly abused his position as a teacher,
someone whom students look up to as an example and an adult, and
taken advantage of the student's impressionability and immature
mind. Given a typical adult, would she have easily subcumbed to his
attentions? maybe, maybe not.
And i don't see it in terms of he having a relationship. It was a
situation where he knows he can get what he wants from the gal
because she doesn't know better and being a minor, she depends on
his judgement. If it were relationship he was lookng for, why
target a schoolgirl when he already had a girlfriend and another
affair with an internet friend? To me, this hints strongly that he
is acting out his fantasy...,that is bedding a schoolgirl and
getting it whenever he wants as the girl is too young and immature
to give any real resistance.
definitely deplorable behaviour seen in that context. 
