Arabic version: تقديم المرافعات الختامية في قضية اعتداء المعلم في تسمانيا

The Supreme Court in Hobart has heard closing arguments in a case in which a former student is suing a former teacher at Hobart Matriculation College over alleged abuse in the 1980s. A woman alleges she was abused by her teacher, Stephen Fane Noga, during the 1980s while she was a student at the college. According to ABC News, the woman is now in her 60s and is suing both Mr. Noga and the State of Tasmania for failing in its duty of care.

Mr. Noga, 76, denies the allegations, claiming that any sexual encounters were consensual and occurred after the woman graduated. His lawyer, Chris Gunson SC, argued that the woman’s testimony contained inconsistencies and “straight-out lies.” Gunson highlighted issues with the evidence, including a retracted photograph and discrepancies regarding the timing of events related to the woman’s claims.

In contrast, the woman’s legal team contends that Mr. Noga exploited a power imbalance, given their age difference and the teacher-student relationship. They argue that the school should have been aware of boundary violations. The woman’s lawyer, Bruce McTaggart KC, emphasized her vulnerability and lack of experience at the time of the alleged abuse, asserting that the encounters were not consensual.

The State of Tasmania’s defense faced challenges as key witnesses, including another teacher, were unavailable due to death, complicating their ability to contest the allegations. The court is expected to deliver a decision on April 20, which will determine the outcome of this significant case.