Courts / Donegal / Report
Teacher in bid to overturn her conviction for sexually abusing boy (13)
Summary
A secondary school teacher from Donegal Town has appealed her conviction for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old male student in 1985. Jacinta McSherry O'Connor, now 64, was found guilty following a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial in October 2023 and sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of two counts, with the final six months suspended. At the Court of Appeal, her legal team contended that the trial judge erred in allowing the jury to hear portions of her garda interview in which she disclosed being a victim of sexual assault herself. The prosecution argued this evidence was relevant to establishing a pattern of grooming behaviour. The court heard that McSherry O'Connor had discussed sexual matters with the boy, who had developed a crush on her, during private tutoring sessions in his home. Judges expressed concern about a teacher sharing such details with a young pupil. Judgment has been reserved.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teacher in bid to overturn her conviction for sexually abusing boy (13). Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- October 2023 Incident
- June 1 Incident
- September 1, 1985 Incident
- 2024-10-24 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Photo: Collins) A secondary school teacher jailed for the indecent assault of a 13-year-old pupil nearly 40 years ago has argued that the jury in her trial should not have been given evidence of her telling the boy that she was herself the victim of sexual assault. McSherry O'Connor was sentenced by Judge Elma Sheahan to three years on each count, with the final six months suspended.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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