Former teacher Ryan Jarvis was acquitted of a voyeurism charge Tuesday, but a well-known London lawyer is questioning the judge's decision.
Jarvis, 39, who taught at Beal secondary school, was charged with secretly videotaping young students.
“His honour found that there might be another purpose for taking the pictures. I find it's a surprising judgment. For the life of me, I can't think of another purpose," said lawyer Gord Cudmore.
The court heard evidence that Jarvis used a spy pen to record female students cleavage.
Justice Andrew Goodman said Jarvis's actions may have been morally repugnant, but he wasn't convinced that the recordings were for a sexual purpose.
Cudmore believes there could be an appeal.
"I think the fact that it was done surreptitiously suggests that it was done for a sexual purpose. If it was done for some other legitimate purpose, for lack of a better word, why did you have to do it surreptitiously?
"I wouldn't be surprised to see the Crown request that the decision be appealed to deal with that issue. It's an important issue and clearly society thinks it's an important issue."
One of the females who was 14 when she was recorded, said she was frustrated with the decision. “I am appalled at our justice system because of it.”
Her father is equally upset. “I watched my daughter suffer and even today I’m in tears.”
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation told CTV News that Jarvis resigned from teaching.
He is also suspended by the Ontario Colleges of Teachers. Spokesperson Gabrielle Barkany said the college was aware of the acquittal.
She said she could not confirm, by law, if the college has a complaint against Jarvis or if an investigation will be conducted.
But the college must wait for any criminal proceedings to conclude before an investigation is conducted.
Right now, Jarvis’s suspension is for non-payment of fees.
- With files from Kathy Rumleski, CTV News
