Former Toronto teacher guilty of 11 of 14 sex-related charges

As their friend, David McClure had socialized with them, even slept over at their house. As the teacher of their six-year-old son, he had gained their trust and respect.

But throughout the gruelling five-week trial that concluded in a guilty verdict yesterday evening, the former Toronto schoolteacher would not even look them in the eyes.

The parents of the youngest child abused said they were "relieved and elated" after waiting 17 years for an end to their son's torment.

"I feel my son has been vindicated," his father said.

Sighs of relief were heard in the courtroom as Mr. McClure was found guilty of 11 of 14 sex-related charges spanning 18 years against six boys, his former students. Mr. McClure, now 62, expressed no emotion as he was handcuffed and taken from court.

One of his victims (now middle-aged), his face flushed and his eyes red and watery, said he was too overwhelmed to comment. None of the victims, who ranged in age from six to 14 years old at the time of the offences, can be named.

Mr. McClure was convicted on two counts of buggery, six counts of indecent acts and three counts of gross indecency for incidents between 1962 and 1980.

He taught a variety of subjects in at least seven schools from 1962 until he left the Toronto public school system in 1993.

The maximum sentence for the most serious offence is 14 years for buggery. Robert Guerts, the Crown attorney, said he will ask for a sentence of more than five years in prison.

Mr. Guerts credited the victims for their strength through gruelling cross-examinations.

"The successful conviction of Mr. McClure is attributable to the people who came forward," he said. "They showed me a lot of courage and overcame a lot of hardship to come forward."

In May, a 47-year-old victim cried as he told jurors that Mr. McClure, his science teacher, had lured him into a sexual relationship when he was 12 by convincing him that all men want to have sex with boys.

During the trial, Mr. Guerts contended that Mr. McClure used a consistent method over the years: He would present himself as a friendly, approachable teacher, get students involved in after-school clubs, then talk to them about the reptile collection he had at home.

Virtually all of the assaults happened at his apartment, to which he would lure boys by asking them to help him with the animals, or to move things -- he had a large collection of antiques and books.

He would begin with a pat on the behind, and if that did not upset the boy, the next step at another visit would be to toiuch his genitals.

The court heard that he backed off with many of the victims if they became upset. If they seemed likely to tell, he ended his advances.

But in a few cases, his advances proceeded all the way to oral sex and buggery, and some of the boys said they became regular overnight visitors. He also worked by befriending parents.

"This is the way these people work," said the youngest victim's father. "They become your friends and insinuate their way into your life and gain your trust."

His son had been present throughout the two days of jury deliberations but he was working yesterday and was not at the court to hear the verdict.

His mother said when she stopped by his workplace to give him the news, his "face just lit up and he had a smile ear to ear."

But he had to contain himself because his co-workers do not know he is one of the victims, she said.

Toronto Police Detective Chris Buck, the officer in charge of the investigation, said the verdict will surely bring peace of mind to the victims. During the trial, one victim said the experience contributed to his difficulties with relationships and later drinking problems.

--With a report from Jane Gadd.