LAWRENCE, Kan. -- A former Lawrence High School teacher has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.

In addition to the four years and 11 months' prison time, Meredith Kane, 24, will be required to register as a sex offender. She and the boy had a sexual relationship from fall 2006 until she was arrested in March.

Kane's attorney James Rumsey had asked for probation so she could be treated for bipolar disorder and partly because the victim testified that Kane should not go to prison.

But Douglas County District Court Judge Stephen Six held Kane responsible, and said he believes a sexual relationship with a teacher is "extremely injurious" to the boy's health.

Kane pleaded guilty in July to one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

"I've lost my son for a short period of time," the victim's mother said. "I'm seeing glimpses of him back, but a 15-year-old can't live like a 20-year-old."