Courts / Dublin / Report

Former meditation teacher jailed for sex assaults on child in 1970s

Date
2019-05-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

Bernard Ward, 71, a former meditation teacher at the Transcendental Meditation Centre in Dublin, was jailed for three years for sexual assaults on a child during the 1970s. The victim, a ten‑year‑old who attended the centre on weekends, was abused in a shower room while Ward was teaching. Ward pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault between 1 January 1974 and 31 December 1977, but was convicted by a majority verdict. He was acquitted of a separate indecent assault charge at another location in Dublin city centre. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed consecutive sentences totalling three and a half years, suspending the last six months, citing Ward's lack of remorse and the abuse of trust inherent in his teaching role. Ward has no prior convictions, is married with three adult children, and suffers from medical ailments. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting harm caused by the abuse. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former meditation teacher jailed for sex assaults on child in 1970s. Charges or matters: three counts of indecent assault at the centre on Eccles Street, Dublin on dates between January 1, 1974 and December 31, 1977. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 1, 1974 Incident
December 31, 1977 Incident
2019-05-20 Publication

Case subjects

Bernard Ward

Defendant

Charges: three counts of indecent assault at the centre on Eccles Street, Dublin on dates between January 1, 1974 and December 31, 1977 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: She imposed consecutive sentences totalling three and a half years and suspended the last six months.