By Troy Gillard and Sheldon Spackman

Six Year Sentence

Red Deer teacher pleads guilty to child sex crimes

Jun 26, 2019 | 1:11 PM

It’s six years in jail for a former Red Deer teacher charged with more than two dozen child sexual exploitation-related counts stemming from a string of incidents in November and December of last year.

Norman Joseph Howes, 61, pleaded guilty in Red Deer Provincial Court on Wednesday to one count each of making/printing/publishing child pornography, sexual contact/interference with a child and making sexually explicit materials available to a child.

Following a joint sentencing submission from the Crown and defense, the Honourable J.D. Holmes accepted their recommendation for a six-year prison term. Howes will also be added to the sex offender registry order for life, provide a DNA sample and have no contact with the victim or her family during his time in incarceration. Upon his release he’ll be subject to a 20-year prohibition order to stay away from places such as playgrounds, schools or where children may be.

Howes was a teacher at Westpark Middle School but was fired by Red Deer Public Schools after he was charged in December 2018.

“We were appalled and angered by the personal choices and decisions made by Mr. Howes. Teachers are in a position of trust and Mr. Howes clearly violated that,” Red Deer Public Schools superintendent Stu Henry said in a statement.

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“As soon as Red Deer Public Schools became aware of the situation, we reacted swiftly and worked closely with the RCMP in their investigation. The matter was left in the capable hands of our justice system to deal with and we are confident that they will provide justice.”

Henry added, “This has been an incredibly difficult situation for the student involved, their family, as well as our staff. Today marks an important day in working toward resolution of this matter, but healing will continue for some time.”

Two victim impact statements were submitted before sentencing, including one from the victim’s mother which said, “My pain is not in comparison (to) what you’ve done to her. You are what most nightmares are made of.”

An agreed statement of facts was submitted Wednesday but now was not read in court out of respect to the complainant, who was in attendance along with her family.

Carolyn Ayre from the Specialized Prosecutions Branch in Calgary told court the offences committed by Mr. Howes were some of the most grave in our society.

“Mr. Howes offences were repeated acts against a vulnerable and young victim,” she said of the then 11-year-old complainant. “Mr. Howes sought-out and targeted the victim. She did not request to see Mr. Howes’ penis.”

Among the aggravating factors pointed out by the Crown were the fact the incidents took place both inside and outside of the school during school hours. Ayre acknowledged Howes early guilty plea and no prior criminal record as being mitigating factors.

Prior to sentencing, Howes himself stood up to address the court.

“I’m very sorry for what I have done. I’m ashamed of myself for what I’ve done. I really want to apologize,” he said.

“I know saying sorry doesn’t always help. I think I’ve done something wrong and I need to be punished for it. Please forgive me.”

Twenty three other charges Howes was facing were dropped.