Trial underway for former school principal accused of historical sexual assault

A woman who says she was sexually assaulted by her elementary school gym teacher more than 30 years ago is bravely sharing her story at his criminal trial this week in Dartmouth provincial court.

Steve Hutchins, 59, is facing one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference based on the woman’s accusations. The woman, now 43, was a young student attending elementary schools in the Eastern Passage, N.S., area of suburban Halifax when the alleged incidents occurred. Her identity is protected by a publication ban.

During her testimony, the woman recounted her difficult home life which led her to seek solace at school, where she would help Hutchins clean up after gym classes. She described encounters that took place in supply rooms adjacent to the gyms in the three schools she attended, as well as in his office.

The woman detailed how Hutchins would turn off the lights, close the door, and hold her close, pressing his body against hers while making strange sounds. She emphasized that these encounters were not mere “hugs” as suggested by the defense, but rather instances of sexual assault that left her feeling uncomfortable and wanting to escape her own reality.

Despite Hutchins never touching her under her clothes, the woman recognized the sexual nature of the embraces, which she said lasted for as long as a minute. She couldn’t recall the exact number of times it happened but stated that it occurred frequently, causing her to disassociate from the distressing experiences.

Seeking help, the woman confided in Karen Johnston, a teacher and guidance counselor at the school, who was also Hutchins’ wife at the time. Johnston’s response, warning the woman of the consequences of wrongly accusing Hutchins, led to a cessation of the encounters. However, for years, the woman struggled to remember whom she had confided in, describing her memories from that period as fragmented and unclear.

In recent years, the woman began sharing her experiences with a wider audience, including her thousands of Instagram followers. Following a conversation with Johnston, who helped her contact the RCMP to report the incidents, the woman became suspicious of Johnston’s intentions and severed ties with her.

Reflecting on her ordeal, the woman expressed lingering feelings of shame and disgust, emphasizing the impact it had on her well-being. She maintained a vocal presence on social media, accusing individuals in the education system of protecting Hutchins, who had risen to the position of an elementary school principal before retiring when informed of the police investigation.

During the trial, Hutchins’ defense challenged the woman’s account, citing discrepancies in her testimony regarding transportation and the layout of the schools. This case marks the second time Hutchins has faced allegations of historical sexual assault, with the previous trial resulting in acquittal.

As the Crown concludes its case, the defense will present its strategy in court. The woman’s courage in coming forward serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable and supporting survivors in their quest for justice.