Timothy Sexton, a former Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia, was today sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a non-parole period of eight years, for maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child.

Timothy Sexton

Timothy Sexton

In February this year, South Australia’s District Court found the 60-year-old guilty of sexual crimes against two teenage girls when he stood trial, accused of 17 offences against three singing students.

Sexton was Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Adelaide’s state opera company from 2011 until he resigned in 2017. These charges relate to incidents alleged to have occurred between 1989 and 1993, when Sexton was working as a private music teacher.

Sentencing Sexton today, Judge Geraldine Davison said “the protection of children in our community is the paramount consideration for sentence”.

Judge Davison said the length of the sentence was appropriate, given Sexton continues to deny any wrongdoing.

“You are not remorseful for it and you, therefore, have no insight in relation to the impact of your behaviour on others,” she said.

Sexton pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with the two girls. He also denied charges of unlawful...