Updated: Tue Apr. 14 2009 18:01:37

ctvedmonton.ca

A 44-year-old Rocky Mountain House teacher charged with sexually assaulting one female student pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault in court Tuesday.

Last June, Jared Eszczuk was charged with 10 counts of sexually assaulting two 12-year-old girls.

And last August, two other complainants came forward and four additional charges were laid.

But thirteen of those charged were dropped.

The Crown asked for a conditional discharge and one year probation, saying the scale of the sexual assault was on the low end.

Eszczuk was given conditional discharge Tuesday with one year probation and a list of things he must follow during that time, which includes 75 hours of community service, no contact with the complainants, and he must undergo counselling during that time as well.

The incident happened between November 2006 and June 2007 when Eszczuk was an elementary school teacher. Several female students came forward with the allegations that he touched them inappropriately.

The court heard how the teacher was warned about being too physically affectionate with female students, both verbally and in letter form before his arrest in 2007.

Victim impact statements were also read aloud in court, some from parents and some from the students.

The judge ruled Eszczuk is not likely to reoffend and doesn't pose a threat to the public. His name will not be added to the Canadian Sex Offender Registry.

Eszczuk also faces a disciplinary hearing with the Alberta Teachers Association where he could have his teaching certificate revoked.

With files from Adam Kuzina