HOUSTON -- A former teacher was forced to apologize four times Monday after pleading guilty to sexual assault of a child, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Christopher Evans, 26, was a teacher at New Heights Christian Academy. He admitted in court that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl while he was her teacher.

Evans entered a plea to avoid prison.

In return for the plea, Evans received an eight-year adjudicated sentence. He pled guilty to two counts of sexual assault of a child.

But, Judge Vanessa Velasquez wanted more.

"I think it's only right, based on what was done, and the fact that the state's given you a break that you apologize to this woman, this young lady, for what you’ve done," the judge said.

Evans responded in a low voice.

"I didn’t hear you," the judge said.

He tried again, but still did not satisfy Velasquez.

"Were you somebody that was supposed to be trusted? Wasn't she a student? Didn't you take advantage of her? Well then, I think you ought to say a heck of a lot more than, 'I'm sorry. I apologize.' Turn around and apologize appropriately for what you've done," she said.

Evans apologized a fourth time in a tone still difficult for spectators to hear, but loud enough to satisfy the judge.

"He apologized for his actions and he asked for forgiveness," said Donna Hawkins with the Harris Count District Attorney's Office.

Evans left the courthouse without comment.

If he does not fulfill all the conditions set by the judge, he could be forced to serve a full sentence.

According to police, Evans initiated a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship with the victim.

He is married and the father of a small child.