Stacey Duke, a former educational assistant who was found guilty on multiple sexual exploitation charges earlier this year, will spend the next 28 months in prison.

Duke’s sentence was passed down Tuesday morning. Her family, including her husband and three children, were present in the courtroom for the decision. All were visibly emotional after learning Duke will spend just over two years behind bars.

The 40-year-old former educator was found guilty on two counts of exploiting teenagers for a sexual purpose, two counts of making explicit material available, and two counts of luring a child while working as an educational assistant at Vibank Regional School in 2022.

During sentencing submissions held last month, her defence asked the judge for a 26-month sentence, which included 14 months for the first complainant and 12 months for the second complainant.

The Crown requested she be sentenced to six years, four years for the first complainant and two years for the second complainant.

Before sentencing began, Duke was given the opportunity to speak. She addressed the court by apologizing to her family.

“I love them. They know what’s true and what’s not true,” she said.

Apologies were also given to one of the complainants where she expressed remorse for putting them in this situation. She did not provide an apology to the second complainant.

Duke does not have any credit for time served – meaning her sentence includes 851 days. Duke must also provide DNA samples and be registered on the sex offenders list for 20 years.

The judge said the sex offender registration should provide significant protection for the community and other children.

After the sentencing hearing concluded, members of the complainants’ families spoke out in court with one saying; ‘Lock that b**** up and throw away the key,’ while another shouted, ‘Criminals don’t wear cuffs?’”

Duke’s defence counsel plans to file an appeal by end of day.

“I can say we were disappointed with the verdict, and we will be filing a notice of appeal today,” said Jessica Bihun, associate lawyer at McDougall Gauley LLP.

When asked how Duke was feeling after sentencing, Bihun said they are requesting privacy for her and her family.