TORONTO, Ont. – A Toronto teacher acquitted of sexually assaulting her former student on Friday said she must now face the task of rebuilding her life.

Ontario Superior Court judge John McMahon acquitted Mary Gowans, 42, of sexually assaulting and sexually interfering with the then-15-year-old boy.

“I’m glad it’s over but at the same time, I have the task of rebuilding my life now.” Gowans said.

“It has been a very, very difficult week. And the last three years of my life have virtually been destroyed as a result of these allegations,” she said.

“I didn’t do anything wrong and I am glad this is done.”

The trial saw a now 18-year-old youth take the stand to make allegations of a sexual relationship between June 2009 and Jan. 2010. The judge found the accuser inconsistent in his testimony.

The judge considered Gowans consistent with her testimony. However, he chastised her for her decision to hire a former student.

Outside the University Avenue courthouse, Gowans thanked her family, friends and supporters.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” she said.

Defence lawyer Peter Brauti said despite the acquittal, the damage to her reputation will be difficult to reverse.

“Regardless of the fact that she was acquitted today, the reputation damage will be difficult to recover from, if ever,” he said.