Abused woman faces massive legal bill following court ruling
A County Cork woman who was sexually abused by her teacher in the 1970s faces a legal bill of up to €500,000 after the High Court today ruled that the State was not liable for the actions of her teacher.
42 year old Louise O'Keeffe was abused by the Principal of Dunderrow National School Leo Hickey.
In June 1998, he pleaded guilty to 21 sample charges of abusing girls aged between the ages of seven and nine and was jailed for three years.
Ms. O’Keeffe was awarded €54,000 by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal in 2002.
She took further action in the High Court, but and Judge Eamon DeValera today ruled that the State was not responsible for the teacher's action. Costs were therefore awarded against her.
