Courts / Ireland / Report
Drama teacher who raped student to launch appeal after alleging juror was "smiling and winking" at gardai
Summary
In 2016, a 56‑year‑old drama teacher was convicted of raping a 7‑year‑old student at an Offaly school between 1996 and 1998. He pleaded not guilty to rape and anal rape, but was found guilty on both counts. The sentencing hearing was adjourned to Friday, and he was remanded on continuing bail. The victim, now 25, gave an emotional impact statement, describing the trauma and its lasting effects. Defence counsel Colm Smyth SC said he would appeal, citing alleged misconduct by a juror who was "smiling and winking" at Gardaí during the trial. The juror was present at the sentencing hearing and had been seen consulting with Gardaí all morning. The case highlighted the teacher's position of trust and the seriousness of the offence. The trial also included testimony from a caretaker and a statement from a local priest. The judge, Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan, adjourned the sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drama teacher who raped student to launch appeal after alleging juror was "smiling and winking" at gardai. Charges or matters: rape and anal rape at an Offaly school on a date between 1996 and 1998. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- 1996 and 1998 Incident
- 2016-02-22 Publication
Why: A drama teacher who raped a student when she was around seven years old is to launch an appeal against his conviction because a juror was allegedly "smiling and winking" at gardaí during his trial. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: rape and anal rape at an Offaly school on a date between 1996 and 1998 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; She said she felt like she "was given a life sentence at the age of six." She felt "humiliated and degraded" throughout the trial process which she found "exceptionally difficult." She said she had trouble with State exams because they were held in halls similar to the one she was raped in.; Today Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan adjourned finalisation of sentencing until this Friday and remanded the man on continuing bail.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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