Teacher convicted of abusing boy does not accept verdict, court hears

A 63-year-old former secondary school teacher from Donegal Town has been convicted of two counts of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old male pupil in 1985 while working as a student teacher at a Dublin secondary school. The offences occurred during home tuition sessions and on a family holiday to Spain. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the complainant, now in his fifties, described how the abuse had affected him throughout his life. The defendant's legal team indicated she does not accept the jury's verdict and presented character references on her behalf. The court also heard allegations of further inappropriate incidents that did not form part of the charges. The defendant maintained her innocence throughout the trial. Sentencing has been adjourned to January 11, 2024.