Beaumaris Primary paedophile teacher: victim wins right to sue state
A former Beaumaris Primary School student who was “frequently, systematically and repeatedly sexually abused and indecently assaulted” by a teacher in the 1970s has won a bid to seek compensation.
Inner South
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A former Beaumaris Primary School student sexually abused by a teacher has won a bid to seek compensation from the state of Victoria.
The boy was eight or nine years old when he said he was “frequently, systematically and repeatedly sexually abused and indecently assaulted” by teacher Darren Ray.
The victim, who attended the primary school from 1969 to 1975, said Ray, who was also the librarian, abused him in the library, attached office and storeroom.
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Ray denied the allegations but pleaded guilty in February 2001 to several offences against the victim and other students.
He was sentenced to 44 months’ imprisonment.
The victim had sought damages from Ray and the state for pain and suffering, psychiatric illness and other conditions, as well as special damages for psychological counselling and treatment.
The claim was unable to be resolved at the trial and it was eventually dismissed after too much time had elapsed without a resolution.
But, the victim, via his lawyer, lodged a summons with the Supreme Court in January to have the matter reinstated and Honourable Associate Justice Mary-Jane Ierodiaconou found in his favour on March 15.
“He will be prejudiced if the proceeding is not reinstated,” she said.
“It is a personal injury proceeding founded on allegations of acts of sexual abuse of him as a minor.
“It is in the interests of justice that the proceeding be reinstated.”
Hon. Assoc. Justice Ierodiaconou also said it was relevant the state did not oppose the application.
Ray, whose last known place of residence was Hopkins Correctional Centre at Ararat in 2002,
was unable to be located.
The victim will be able to reinstate his claim against Ray if the paedophile teacher is found.
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