Courts / Dublin / Report

Teacher told gardai that student fantasised about her, trial hears

Summary

The trial of Jacintha McSherry O'Connor, 63, is ongoing before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The accused, a former student teacher from Donegal Town, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting a child between June 1 and September 1, 1985. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred while she gave the then-13-year-old complainant grinds and during a holiday in Spain. In evidence, Ms McSherry O'Connor told gardaí that nothing untoward happened, describing the boy as having a crush on her and viewing him as a little brother. She denied performing oral sex or any sexual contact, suggesting the complainant may have fantasised about her. The complainant, now in his fifties, testified that he was infatuated with her but stated that the alleged abuse started eating away at him over time. He told the court he confided in his girlfriend at age 19 but did not report to gardaí until recently. Under cross-examination, he maintained that the sexual abuse was burnt on his mind, rejecting the defence suggestion that he was not telling the truth. The trial resumes on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teacher told gardai that student fantasised about her, trial hears. Charges or matters: two counts of indecently assaulting a child on dates between June 1 and September 1, 1985. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 1 Incident
• September 1, 1985 Incident
• March 2022 Other
• 2023-10-13 Publication

Why: He said he couldn't remember various details that the defence was putting to him, such as an after-school club or a ride in a waterpark on holiday, because it was "almost 40 years ago". Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report