Courts / Dublin / Report

Former school teacher fails to appear for abuse sentencing

Date
2020-07-07

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Harte, 78, a former school teacher convicted of fondling boys at Sancta Maria Christian Brothers primary school between 1968 and 1970, failed to attend his sentencing hearing after being admitted to Tallaght Hospital with cardiac issues. His lawyers argued that he should not be compelled to attend court due to Covid‑19 guidelines for people over 70 and his medical condition, and requested a two‑month adjournment. Judge Martin Nolan refused the application, citing concerns about Harte's behaviour and the need for finality, and scheduled the hearing for 4 pm out of hours on Thursday. The prosecution, led by Anne Rowland SC, opposed the adjournment, noting that five of the seven victims had already attended court and were willing to read their impact statements. Judge Nolan emphasized that Harte's health is stable but vulnerable to coronavirus and that sentencing must proceed. The case remains in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Patrick Harte pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former school teacher fails to appear for abuse sentencing. Charges or matters: 11 counts of indecently assaulting seven primary school boys at the Sancta Maria Christian Brothers primary school on Synge Street, Dublin between September 1968 and September 1970. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

September 1968 Hearing Or Sentence
September 1970 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-07-07 Publication

Case subjects

Patrick Harte

Convicted Person

Charges: 11 counts of indecently assaulting seven primary school boys at the Sancta Maria Christian Brothers primary school on Synge Street, Dublin between September 1968 and September 1970 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; However, he noted that "the virus will be with us for a considerable period of time" and said that Harte must be sentenced for his crimes.; Patrick Harte (78), who is on bail, failed on Monday in a legal bid to have his sentencing adjourned due to the Covid-19 pandemic and his own medical condition.