Teacher told gardaí student asked for money

A Terenure College teacher told gardaí that a student whom he allegedly indecently assaulted asked him several times…

A Terenure College teacher told gardaí that a student whom he allegedly indecently assaulted asked him several times for money to clear his gambling and other debts.

The 63-year-old accused gave details of various sums of money he handed over and told how, on one occasion, in April 1988 he stopped a cheque for £650 after the alleged victim claimed he was "let down" by someone and was unable to repay the loan.

Det Gda George Trenier, now retired, confirmed to prosecuting counsel Ms Caroline Biggs BL, that the accused recounted how the alleged victim told him he had to go to Gowran Park to pay a bookie to whom he owed the £650. He said the bookie hadthreatened to reveal it to his father.

The teacher also handed over three letters he got from the alleged victim when he was at university, one letter from the university and four cheques he paid to the alleged victim.

READ MORE

The accused has pleaded not guilty at 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.

Det Gda Trenier confirmed to Ms Biggs that the accused claimed the sexual relationship began when the student was at the age of consent. He said it began in accused's house and consisted of kissing and mutual masturbation. Later they went to abedroom where oral sex also took place.

Following a phone call in 1998 from the alleged victim, the accused revealed to his principal that what he called "inappropriate sexual activity" had happened with him and he went on extended sick leave.

The hearing continues before Judge Frank O'Donnell and a jury of four women and eight men.