Courts / Meath / Report

Teacher jailed for twice having sex with her pupil (16)

Date
2019-10-31
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Gormanston
County
Meath

Summary

A 23‑year‑old substitute teacher pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement for having sex with a 16‑year‑old pupil. The offences occurred in early 2018 at Gormanston Beach and the Carlton Hotel, after the teacher had bought the boy gifts on his birthday. She waited until his 16th birthday, believing that was the legal age of consent, and then engaged in sexual activity in her car and at the hotel. Judge Martin Nolan accepted her belief but found her reckless and that, as a teacher, she should have known the law. He sentenced her to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on the condition of good behaviour for two years after release. The judge noted her early guilty plea, cooperation and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The teacher's contract was terminated and she is no longer employed in education. The boy suffered anxiety and depression as a result of the abuse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teacher jailed for twice having sex with her pupil (16). Charges or matters: two counts of defilement in early 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: The court heard the woman was aged 23 at the time of both offences and that she waited until the boy's 16th birthday before engaging in sexual activity on a date in early 2018 because she believed that was the legal age of consent. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Unnamed woman

Defendant

Charges: two counts of defilement in early 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Credit: Collins) A substitute teacher who bought gifts for her 16-year-old pupil before having sex with him in her car has been jailed for one year. He sentenced her to three years imprisonment, but suspended the final two years of the sentence on condition she keep the peace and be of good behaviour while in custody and for two years post release.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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