Teacher denies 'ludicrous' sexual assault allegations and claims 'I'm not a bad person'

Hugh O'Neill said a woman known colleague A had been described as a 'fantasist'

A teacher said "I'm not a bad person" as he denied a series of allegations relating to sexual misconduct and remarks about a woman’s body describing them as "ludicrous."

On the third day of a teacher regulation agency (TRA) hearing into his alleged behaviour, Hugh O’Neill said he did not agree with the charges that had been made against him when he was employed at a special school in Knowsley. A woman known as colleague A told a panel earlier this week how the Irishman had felt her breasts on school grounds, made comments about her body and subjected her to sexual assaults at his home.

Mr O’Neill, 45, said he wasn’t “going to touch her full stop” and he had been “open and honest” since an investigation was first launched. The teacher, who was participating via videolink in the Republic of Ireland, said colleague A had been likened to a “bit of a fantasist” by someone they had both previously worked with and he did not know why she had made the allegations against him.

Mark Millin, on behalf of the TRA, said there was "no obvious motive to make any of this up." He said Colleague A had not done so for vengeance or to get back at Mr O'Neill.

The panel heard how Mr O’Neill said any sexual conduct between himself and colleague A had been consensual and began in his home, not in his car as she had claimed. When put to him by his representative, Nicholas Kennan, Mr O’Neill said he would not describe colleague A as vulnerable and did not view her this way.

During questioning from Mr Millin regarding the alleged touching of colleague A’s breasts during the school day, Mr O’Neill said it would be “virtually impossible to behave like that in school” adding, “I know it didn’t happen.” Mr O’Neill said he taught with “an open door policy so people can see me” and “my professionalism was paramount at all times.”

He rejected the suggestion by colleague A that on a drive the pair took to Sefton Park he had kissed her without warning and that he had asked for one on another occasion. Mr O’Neill said the pair did kiss while at the park but this was consensual.

Regarding the alleged remarks he made, Mr O’Neill denied saying colleague A “looked busty” and was a “sexy b***h.” He said he “can categorically say I did not say those things” and it “is not in my nature to talk like that.”

Mr O’Neill said the pair had sex consensually and regarding the “very serious allegation” of a non-consensual sexual assault, he said: “I don’t know why she said it, but I didn’t do it.” The teacher added how he had provided 19 character witnesses “from the most senior pillars of society” and the alleged behaviour was not in his nature.

He said regarding an investigation taking place which involved 17 people being interviewed, officials "could have interviewed the whole school" and his professionalism would have been apparent. The hearing was told Mr O’Neill was never interviewed or arrested by police regarding the allegations and was suspended by the school before he resigned on advice from his GP.

When it was put to him he had said to colleague A “would it be cheeky if I asked for a kiss?” after picking her up and taking her home, he said: “It sounds a bit ludicrous to be honest, it’s not how I would conduct myself or behave.”

Asked about his relationship with Colleague A, Mr O'Neill said he liked her and cared for her and that he "enjoyed our time together." He added how the pair "talked about everything" including her faith because he was interested in the subject.

Mr O'Neill said: "I enjoyed watching TV after work. I didn't dwell on where it was going, it seemed to develop. I didn't imaginhe anything long term and didn't harboyr any designs to settle down with the girl."

Asked about his feelings towards Colleague A now, Mr O'Neill, who was visibly emotional, said: "I just want us both to get through this. Sometimes I'm bewildered why I'm sat here.

"I maintain I entered into a consensual relationship throughout. I got the help I need through counselling, the National Education Union and friends.

"I hope Colleague A finds peace and can move on with her life." He added how he refuted the suggestion his actions caused her "so much trauma" and wished her well and "nothing but happiness." Mr O'Neill said: "I want to put this behind us and get back to the job I was taken away from." The hearing continues.