SAINT JEROME - The trial for a former Rosemere High School teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student resumed in court Tuesday after several months of delays.

The young man accusing Tania Pontbriand of taking advantage of him was once again back on the stand, although his identity must be concealed because he was a minor when the events occurred.

He testified that at the time he thought having sex with a teacher was fantastic, but that as the relationship continued he realized the damage it was causing to his family and himself.

"I never thought it would happen in my wildest dreams," said the now 25-year-old in court, adding that in retrospect, it was confusing. "It was hard one me. (Pontbriand) created divisions in my family. My mother tried to keep us separated and she (Pontbriand) encouraged my rebellion when I refused to cooperate with my family."

He said that now, a decade after the relationship, he still bears emotional scars and has had difficulty dealing with his family.

This session of the trial is expected to continue until Thursday, then resume in May.

The trial has run into an unusual number of delays for several unrelated reasons.

Most recently the lead prosecutor in the case, Claudia Carbonneau, fell ill and had to be replaced.

Late last year Justice Francois Beaudoin stepped down from the trial citing a tragic family situation involving his wife's health.

Justice Valmont Beaulieu took over the case, but needed several months to read the transcripts and get up to speed.

Now the justice, the Crown, and the defence lawyer are having difficulty synchronizing their schedules.

Pontbriand's lawyers also argued that because the events allegedly took place from 2002 to 2004, her right to a speedy trial was violated, but Justice Beaudoin rejected that argument.

Carbonneau's successor, Caroline Lafleur, said what is important now is the victim's ability to testify.

"He can look at his notes and refresh his memory before going to trial, so that's the way we prepare a witness to testify after many years," said Lafleur.