Teacher Luca De Martini, 49, was sentenced to five years in prison under the fast-track trial, accused of using his influence as a teacher and his education to seduce a minor and establish a relationship with her. At the end of a lengthy hearing, which began in the morning and concluded late in the evening, Court Judge Luca Melis read the sentence, which accepted the interpretation of prosecutor Marco Cocco (who had requested five years and four months).
The expertise
Before the hearing began, the expert appointed to examine a note filed in recent weeks by the defendant, represented by attorney Pier Andrea Setzu, spoke before the judge. The note appeared to indicate that the girl had apologized to the professor, withdrawing the charges, but the family's consultant denied the handwriting. Ultimately, the expert stated that the handwriting certainly wasn't the girl's, but it wasn't even the professor's. In short, it was impossible to determine who wrote the note of apology the teacher claims to have received. Previously, however, De Martini—who teaches Latin and Greek but is currently suspended—had his request for a plea bargain of two years rejected by investigating judge Michele Contini.
The process
After appearing before preliminary hearing judge Luca Melis, attorney Per Andrea Setzu requested a summary trial for his client, with the defense thus withdrawing from the trial. And yesterday, after examining the expert's report, which determined that the apology note was not from the girl, the judge decided to close the entire case in a single hearing, thus advancing to sentencing. This morning, prosecutor Cocco spoke, requesting a sentence of 5 years and 4 months, deeming the charge of aggravated sexual assault proven. Then came the oral arguments of attorney Daniela Loi, a civil plaintiff on behalf of the mother and the girl. Finally, attorney Setzu provided the professor's version of events.
The sexual assault charge was related to the teacher's alleged acts with the student and to his role as an educator. He, for his part, has always denied any sexual relationship. Years ago, the teacher had gotten into trouble following an investigation by the Digos and Dda into Islamic terrorism, from which he was completely acquitted.
