Former Hobart teacher with connections to theatre accused of alleged historic sexual abuse

Yet another former Hobart teacher has been accused of historic sexual abuse, with the man said to have connections to Tasmania’s theatre scene. IN COURT >>

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A FORMER Hobart teacher said to have connections to Tasmania’s theatre scene has been accused of historic sexual abuse against teenage boys.

The man allegedly offended against multiple boys during the early 1990s, the same period he was employed as a teacher at three schools in the greater Hobart area.

Melbourne-based lawyer Zoe Papageorgiou, who is preparing civil action on behalf of one of the alleged victims, said a complaint had been lodged with Tasmania Police.

But she also said complaints were seemingly lodged with police at the time, but that those allegations “hit a deaf ear”.

“It was (allegedly) insidious abuse so there was grooming, there was direct sexual abuse, quite severe sexual abuse,” she claimed.

“I believe there were complaints made in the early 90s, however these complaints were not escalated and no disciplinary action was taken.”

It is understood the teacher in question stood down from his career about 10 years ago after a teaching career spanning more than 30 years.

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said they were unable to comment on historic cases, which would be instead referred to the upcoming Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s response to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

“Tasmania Police cannot comment on matters within the remit of the inquiry,” they said.

Ms Papageorgiou said the alleged abuse had a “devastating” impact on the complainants.

“The devastation comes from different aspects of this, essentially the abuse itself of course, and all the abuse flowing on into their adult life – but also struggling with the knowledge that this was reported early on, in line with the actual abuse, and nothing was done, and that has such a heavy mental toll on the survivors,” she said.

“I do believe he was grooming students in his home (with) your standard grooming behaviour – offering food and alcohol, acting like a friend rather than a teacher, and the nature of these alleged paedophiles is they do ingratiate themselves on their victims.”

Ms Papageorgiou, who works for Maurice Blackburn, has made a call-out for anyone involved in the drama scene or who may have witnessed something, to come forward.

“Until people come forward, it’s puzzle pieces at the moment, and we’re really keen to put these puzzle pieces together to form concrete evidence,” she said.

A government spokesperson didn’t comment on the case, but encouraged anyone with allegations of child sexual abuse to inform police.

“Any allegation of child sexual abuse is taken extremely seriously, which is why we established the Commission of Inquiry, which is currently underway,” they said.

“This will allow any historical offences to come to light and ensure justice is served.”

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