Courts / Meath / Report
Music teacher jailed for indecently assaulting pupil moves to appeal conviction
Summary
In 2015, Breffni O'Rourke, a 67‑year‑old music teacher, appealed a 2012 conviction for indecent assault of a nine‑year‑old girl in 1987. He had been found guilty by a jury and sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. O'Rourke's barrister, Colman Cody SC, argued that the jury should have been discharged because of prejudicial evidence from the complainant's twin sister. She claimed O'Rourke was 'friendly' and had a 'habit of tickling us', and that he would put his hands under clothes and feel skin. Cody said this testimony was not probative and was highly prejudicial, and that it went beyond mere tickling. He also contended that the defence was denied access to notes from an English teacher that might have clarified the complainant's earlier statements. The Director of Public Prosecutions maintained that the witness's remarks were not prejudicial, and the Court of Appeal would reserve judgment. Breffni O'Rourke pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Music teacher jailed for indecently assaulting pupil moves to appeal conviction. Charges or matters: indecently assaulting the then nine-year-old girl in his Stamullen home in June 1987. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 1987 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 30, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-12-08 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: indecently assaulting the then nine-year-old girl in his Stamullen home in June 1987 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Photo: Collins) A music teacher jailed for indecently assaulting a pupil in his home 25 years earlier has moved to appeal his conviction. He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended by Judge Desmond Hogan on July 30, 2012.
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