A Terenure College teacher charged with indecently assaulting a student almost 20 years ago told gardaí they had a sexual relationship which began when the boy was at the age of consent.
Mr Hugh Hartnett SC (with Ms Roisin Lacey), defending, told the jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, during cross-examination of the alleged victim, that his client informed Terenure College as well as gardaí about this.
The 63-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty to two charges of indecently assaulting the alleged victim between November 1st and December 31st, 1985 at his home. He also denies 12 counts of gross indecency at the college and another location in south Dublin on dates unknown between September 1st, 1986 and March 31st, 1988.
Mr Hartnett said his client accepted there was a sexual relationship with the alleged victim and that incidents described by the former student did happen, but he denied they happened before 1988 when the age of legal consent had been reached.
The alleged victim described a claim by Mr Hartnett that the accused drove him to a party near Fairyhouse at Christmas 1991 or 1992 as "a complete and utter fabrication".
The alleged victim agreed with Mr Hartnett that after he left Terenure College he had written on occasions to the accused and asked for money to cover his gambling and drinking debts.
He also agreed he had "lied and stolen" at times due to his money problems and while at Terenure College he had once used the "pin" number of one of his father's friends to play the "tote". He was found out in these matters and reprimanded.
"You do these things to get caught," he said.
The alleged victim told Mr Hartnett he was introduced to buying and selling shares by the accused while a 14-15 year old student but said he would have to check his records to give details as requested by counsel.
Pressed on this by Mr Hartnett, who said his client totally denied it ever happened, the alleged victim said he was sure some named stockbrokers could produce records but he didn't think he could have them in court within one day. He would make inquiries.
The hearing continues before Judge Frank O'Donnell and a jury of four women and eight men.