Courts / Donegal / Report
'A case where danger lurks': closing speeches in trial of teacher accused of abusing her male student
Summary
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a teacher accused of indecently assaulting a male student nearly four decades ago. Jacintha McSherry O'Connor, aged 63, from Donegal Town, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault on dates between June and September 1985, when she was a student teacher at a Dublin school and the boy was thirteen years old. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred during private tuition at the boy's home and on a family holiday to Spain. In closing speeches, the prosecution argued the evidence of the complainant, now in his fifties, was reliable and consistent, describing patterns of grooming behaviour. The defence contended there were significant inconsistencies in the complainant's account and that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The jury will continue its deliberations the following day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'A case where danger lurks': closing speeches in trial of teacher accused of abusing her male student. 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
- 2023-10-17 Publication
Why: In his closing speech today Garrett McCormack BL, prosecuting, told the jury it should have "no doubt" when it came to deciding the case, primarily because of the evidence of the complainant. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of indecently assaulting a child on dates between June 1 and September 1, 1985 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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