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Former school principal claimed abuse victims 'had vendetta against him'
Summary
Patrick Harte, 78, former principal of Sancta Maria Christian Brothers primary school, was convicted in March 2020 of 11 counts of indecent assault on seven boys between 1968 and 1970. At his sentencing hearing, Harte denied the allegations, claiming the victims had a "vendetta" against him and that the state had "validated" his teaching. He said he would appeal to the High Court if the sentence was sectarian. The court heard that Harte repeatedly molested pupils in a class environment marked by severe corporal punishment and verbal abuse. Victims testified that he would call them to his desk for praise or correction, warn the class to look at their books, and fondle their genital areas. Harte's lawyers argued that the prosecution had not brought charges of child cruelty or physical abuse. The judge remanded Harte in custody and adjourned sentencing to the next day. Patrick Harte pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former school principal claimed abuse victims 'had vendetta against him'. Charges or matters: 11 counts of indecently assaulting seven pupils 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
- 2020-07-09 Publication
Why: On Monday, Judge Nolan denied a defence application to adjourn the case for two months because of Harte's risk of getting Covid-19. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 11 counts of indecently assaulting seven pupils 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; At his sentence hearing today, the court heard that when gardai put the victims' allegations to Harte in 2015, the former teacher claimed they had "a vendetta against him". Harte was due to be sentenced on two occasions earlier this week.; After hearing a short plea of mitigation, Judge Nolan remanded Harte in custody and adjourned sentencing to 1:15pm tomorrow.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- High Court
- Synge Street
- Kevin Street
- Glendown Park
- Dublin
Topics
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