Civil Trial Underway: Former Teacher Sued for Alleged Sexual Abuse
A civil trial is currently unfolding in Hobart, centering on Stephen Fane Noga, 76, a former teacher at Hobart Matriculation College. Mr. Noga is being sued by a former student, now in her 60s, for alleged repeated sexual abuse that she claims occurred during the 1980s. The plaintiff was 16 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
The State of Tasmania is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, facing allegations of a failure in its duty of care. During his testimony, Mr. Noga denied the specific allegations of sexual abuse occurring while the plaintiff was his student. However, he confirmed engaging in sexual activity with her after her graduation and 17th birthday, and again years later.
Legal Proceedings in Hobart
The legal proceedings are taking place in the Supreme Court in Hobart. The plaintiff's lawsuit asserts that Mr. Noga subjected her to repeated sexual abuse in the 1980s when she was his student. The State of Tasmania is included as a defendant, accused of neglecting its duty of care to students.
Mr. Noga Denies Student-Teacher Sexual Relationship
During his testimony, Mr. Noga stated he has never had a romantic or sexual relationship with an individual who was his student at the time. He emphasized that such relationships were "out of bounds," stressing that a teacher's primary role was to support students in achieving academic outcomes.
"Such relationships were 'out of bounds'. A teacher's role was to support students in achieving academic outcomes."
Mr. Noga specifically denied the plaintiff's earlier testimony, which claimed he drove her to a hotel and raped her while she was a student. He also denied making comments on her appearance, touching her, passing notes to her in his accounting class, or engaging in sexual encounters on school premises, in cars, or during school hours.
Account of Post-Graduation Relationship
Mr. Noga testified that any relationship he had with the plaintiff commenced after her final year at Hobart Matriculation College, following her completion of schooling and after she had turned 17. He recounted that the plaintiff initiated contact by telephoning his home to express satisfaction with her accounting exam performance. This call, he said, led to arrangements to meet for runs, followed by walks and talks, and subsequent meetings.
According to Mr. Noga, their first sexual encounter occurred at a local hotel. He testified that they undressed independently and he used a condom. A second sexual encounter, he stated, took place at his home while his family was absent. When questioned about the appropriateness of a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old recent student, Mr. Noga stated, "I didn't see it in that manner at that time."
"I am ashamed of my behaviour at that time. I was temporarily blinded."
He added, "I am ashamed of my behaviour at that time. I was temporarily blinded." He also claimed her participation in sexual activity involved "enthusiasm."
Conflicting Testimonies on Pregnancy Scare
Regarding pregnancy allegations, Mr. Noga testified that the condom did not break during either of their two sexual encounters. This statement directly contrasts with the plaintiff's earlier testimony, which claimed a condom broke during one instance, leading to a pregnancy scare.
Mr. Noga recalled the plaintiff informing him a few months after their second encounter that she needed $400 for an abortion. He stated he initially doubted his involvement, thinking 'it couldn't be by me, we had sex on two occasions.' While he could not recall if he expressed this doubt to the plaintiff, he testified that he believed he did provide her with money, though he had no memory of the exact amount or the timing.
Later Contact and Revealing Correspondence
Years later, Mr. Noga re-established contact with the plaintiff, meeting her interstate to clarify the abortion situation. He stated this issue had caused him "deep despair" and "personal distress" as a Catholic. During this meeting, he inquired about the abortion. He testified that she responded, "I am sorry if I caused you any pain," before the conversation shifted. Mr. Noga confirmed they had sexual intercourse that night and that he harbored strong feelings for her at the time, feeling accepted by her.
Multiple letters sent by Mr. Noga to the plaintiff approximately five years after her graduation were presented in court. One letter included the statement, "Of course, I love you and feel like I have proprietary rights." Another letter stated she "held so much power" over him and included the phrase, "Please don't hurt me."
"Of course, I love you and feel like I have proprietary rights."
Mr. Noga testified he later ended the rekindled relationship due to feeling conflicted between her and his responsibilities to his wife and three children.
Personal Impact of Proceedings
Mr. Noga testified that the legal proceedings led to his divorce from his wife of over 50 years after he disclosed the past relationship. He stated he transferred properties to his wife and acknowledged causing his family "deep pain."
The trial is ongoing.