Brantford, Ontario teacher's license revoked after he admitted to sexually abusing a student in the 1990s

Warning: This story contains references to sexual abuse.

A now-retired teacher in the Brantford, Ontario area had his license revoked after admitting to sexually abusing a student between 1995 and 1998.

Michael Sardine, who worked for the Grand Erie District School Board, did not attend the Ontario College of Teachers' disciplinary hearing on Monday. However, through his lawyer, Sardine entered “no objection,” meaning he agreed to a statement of facts describing the abuse.

Attorney Jordan Stone, representing the college, said it was clear that Sardine sexually, emotionally and psychologically abused the student, whose identity was protected by a publication ban. The student's age at the time of the abuse and the school she attended were also not disclosed.

The school board covers the counties of Norfolk, Haldimand and Brant in southern Ontario, as well as Brantford.

The misconduct began when Sardine sought a sexual relationship with the student and abused her by giving her gifts and taking her to restaurants and events outside of school hours and then to his home, Stone said.

Sardine talked about living with her and getting married, “which ultimately culminated in sexual abuse.”

“It is a shameful, dishonorable misconduct.”

Former teacher was still certified

Sardine's lawyer Austen Metcalfe told the disciplinary committee that his client had no further comments or statements to add.

The victim also did not speak at the hearing and was not required to testify because Sardine pleaded “no contest,” Stone said.

Sardine has been retired since 2021, but still holds a certificate of competence.

The disciplinary committee has revoked his license to teach and issued him a written warning. These are the harshest penalties the college can impose and are mandatory upon provincial registration if a teacher is found guilty of sexual misconduct.

Sardine became a teacher in 1988 and taught English and drama, according to the college's website. He has never been disciplinary in the past.

Since he already doesn't teach, Sardine's conviction will be more of a general deterrent than a specific deterrent, Stone said.

The revocation of his license was “a very serious message to members, the profession and the public that behavior of this kind cannot be tolerated in any way, shape or form,” he said.

Neither the Brantford Police Department nor the Ontario Provincial Police Western Region were aware of any criminal investigations related to Sardine until July.

For anyone who has been sexually abused, there is support available through crisis hotlines and local support services through these Canadian Government website or the Database of the Ending Violence Association of CanadaIf you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, please call 911.