Former Teacher Appeals Sexual Abuse Verdict Citing Judge's Social Media Bias
Stephen Fane Noga, a 76-year-old former teacher from Hobart, has filed an appeal against a civil judgment that ordered him and the State of Tasmania to pay $1.6 million in damages to a former student for alleged sexual abuse in the 1980s. The appeal, lodged with the Supreme Court of Tasmania, primarily argues that Chief Justice Stephen Estcourt lacked impartiality due to social media posts made before, during, and after the trial. Noga’s legal team contends these posts, which were supportive of sexual abuse victims, created a perception of bias given the case involved allegations of child sexual abuse and rape. Additionally, the appeal claims Justice Estcourt erred in law by failing to adequately consider the difficulties in testing evidence after 45 years and by criticizing Noga’s testimony. Noga denies abusing the plaintiff while she was his student, asserting their relationship began after she turned 17. He seeks to have the judgment set aside and requests that the plaintiff cover his legal costs. The original ruling held both Noga and the state jointly liable for the majority of the damages, citing a failure in the state's duty of care.
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Former Teacher Appeals Sexual Abuse Verdict Citing Judge's Social Media Bias
Stephen Fane Noga, a 76-year-old former teacher from Hobart, has filed an appeal against a civil judgment that ordered him and the State of Tasmania to pay $1.6 million in damages to a former student for alleged sexual abuse in the 1980s. The appeal, lodged with the Supreme Court of Tasmania, primarily argues that Chief Justice Stephen Estcourt lacked impartiality due to social media posts made before, during, and after the trial. Noga’s legal team contends these posts, which were supportive of sexual abuse victims, created a perception of bias given the case involved allegations of child sexual abuse and rape. Additionally, the appeal claims Justice Estcourt erred in law by failing to adequately consider the difficulties in testing evidence after 45 years and by criticizing Noga’s testimony. Noga denies abusing the plaintiff while she was his student, asserting their relationship began after she turned 17. He seeks to have the judgment set aside and requests that the plaintiff cover his legal costs. The original ruling held both Noga and the state jointly liable for the majority of the damages, citing a failure in the state's duty of care.
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