The plaintiff, a former high school student, brought an action for damages against her former music teacher, Royce Galon Williamson, for sexual abuse, and against the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (the School Board) for vicarious liability and direct negligence/breach of fiduciary duty.
Williamson did not attend the trial, and his statement of defence was struck.
The court found Williamson liable for sexual assault, battery, and breach of fiduciary duty.
The School Board was found vicariously liable for Williamson's conduct and directly liable for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty due to its inadequate response to the plaintiff's disclosure, including failure to provide support and immediately remove Williamson from the school.
Damages were awarded for general and aggravated damages, loss of competitive advantage, past and future care expenses, and punitive damages against Williamson.
