A teacher accused of indecently assaulting a primary school pupil in 1982 resigned after being told by his principal about the allegation. A jury at the Central Criminal Court heard the accused told the principal he had used "unorthodox" sports training methods with pupils.
The principal said he discussed options with the accused about whether he should face up to the allegation or if he should take sick leave and resign. He told the accused, in a conversation in October 1982, he was not being judgmental and that the alleged victim's parents had expressed concern about her safety. He advised him it was in everyone's interest that he go on sick leave.
Cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, the principal agreed he discussed with the accused the effect publicity would have on him, his family and on the school. He agreed it would have been on his mind that it would be better if the accused went away.
The principal said he met the accused again the night after their conversation. The accused wrote out, signed and handed him his resignation. He also put in a sick certificate and never returned to the school again except to collect personal items.
The 45-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl on a date unknown in 1982 in a school storeroom. The now 28-year-old woman has said she complained about the assault to the Garda in August 1997.
The hearing continues.