Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury in trial of teacher accused of sex assaults on students must consider 'difficulties gay people faced in 1990s', defence say
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 59‑year‑old teacher faces one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault involving six complainants aged 17 to 24 between March 1991 and November 1997 in County Dublin. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC urged the jury to consider the historical context of gay discrimination in 1990s Ireland, arguing that the accused's alleged self‑preservation and fear of repercussions may explain his alleged false statements. He highlighted inconsistencies in the complainants' accounts and suggested the accused's emotional immaturity and the age disparity between him and the victims. Prosecutor Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC countered, stressing the need to disregard sympathy, noting the implausibility of multiple similar allegations, and emphasising the lack of consent in five incidents where victims were asleep. The judge, Mr Justice Alexander Owens, began his charge, with the trial expected to continue tomorrow. The unnamed 59-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury in trial of teacher accused of sex assaults on students must consider 'difficulties gay people faced in 1990s', defence say. Charges or matters: one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault in relation to six complainants on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Co Dublin. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 1991 Incident
- November 1997 Incident
- 2023-12-20 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault in relation to six complainants on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Co Dublin (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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