On Thursday, during his sentencing in Perth District Court, Harris’ lawyer painted the 54-year-old as a sad, lonely man who, despite being a successful teacher, became depressed and was isolated socially when he was not working.
“For several years prior to the offending Mr Harris retreated into an alternative online world,” his lawyer told the court.
“He became isolated. He was performing his duties well as a principal, but his private life was isolated. His entire romantic activity was through online with adult females online.
“He was having anonymous conversations with adult females.”
The court heard Harris was online on January 1 looking for the same sort of conversation but “clicked on an anonymous name”.
“It became apparent that this girl was 14 years of age, and he chose to proceed,” his lawyer said.
“He regrets that decision.”
In sentencing Harris, Judge Linda Black took into consideration the publicity his offending had attracted but said she would struggle to give him a discount on his sentence.
She did, however, tell Harris she felt “incredibly sorry” for him and that while she felt he had turned his life around since his arrest in January, a term of imprisonment was the only outcome for such offending.
“This is a case where punishment is important, but also a strong message needs to be sent out to the community that no matter who you are, what you do or where you live, if you offend against children, you will feel the full force of the law,” she said.
“I feel incredibly sorry for you but I have an obligation to keep our community safe.”
Harris was sentenced to 12 months in prison and will be eligible for parole in six months.
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Aveley North Primary School principal Shayne Paul Harris sentenced to 12 months jail - WAtoday
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