Ivanhoe Grammar teacher jailed over sex abuse

An Ivanhoe Grammar teacher, who used his position at the school to lure a teenage student into a sexual relationship, has been jailed for at least three years.

Graeme Keith Harder, 60, stared straight ahead as he was sentenced to a five-year jail term with a three-year minimum, over the abuse in the 1990s.

In sentencing, County Court judge John Carmody said Harder had used his position at the school and his charismatic personality to lure the victim into a web of deceit, for his own sexual gratification.

Earlier this month, Harder pleaded guilty to 12 offences after sexually abusing the boy during school trips and on the grounds of the elite school.

He gave the boy, aged 15 and 16 at the time, love letters, alcohol and other privileges, with the judge saying Harder believed himself to be in love.

Judge Carmody said Harder developed trust and control over the victim to then commit a gross breach of that trust.