FROM SEX TO RAP TO DRUGS

Former Young Lover Of Teacher Faces Jail For Cocaine Trafficking

Dustin Dickeson, the young man who had a sexual relationship with his
former Sechelt teacher, is to be sentenced today for cocaine
trafficking and obstructing a police officer.

Dickeson was 17 years old when then-Chatelech Secondary teacher
Heather Ingram was arrested for exploitation of a minor. Ingram was
later sentenced to 10 months of house arrest and a year of probation.

The story caused an international sensation, with Ingram later going
public with her tale on a TV talk show. Last year, Dickeson went to
court to lift a ban on publication of his name so he could exploit his
story in his career as a rapper.

In May, Dickeson, now 23, was arrested in Sechelt with a can
of WD-40 with a false bottom containing 34 decks of cocaine in powder and
crack form. He was taken into custody after fleeing police.

The prosecution is seeking a one-year jail term for his conviction on
possession for the purposes of trafficking and another month for the
obstruction conviction.

Prosecutor Brad Smith cited Dickeson's prior record, including sexual
interference, assault causing bodily harm and driving while
prohibited. Dickeson was also on probation for two counts of breach of
an undertaking when he was arrested in May.

"With his record reviewed in its entirety, there's been a consistent
disregard by Mr. Dickeson for court orders," said Smith.

But Dickeson's lawyer, Jerome Williams, asked for either a conditional
sentence or that he be released on time already served in custody.

Williams said that, while his client has been addicted to drugs "on
and off," the drugs were for personal use rather than to make money.

Williams said his client has suffered while in jail and has vowed to
turn his life around. If released, he said, Dickeson would live with
his mother, as well as Ingram and an 11-month-old son he had with Ingram.

"I can't see a more positive environment for somebody to be released
into," Williams said.

Dickeson, wearing orange prisoner's garb, told the judge: "I'd like to
say I realize I made a mistake and I want to change my life and be
with my son and try for a fresh start."