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Derry special needs school principal faces rape charges

May 7, 2021
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Michael Dobbins, won the Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School award in 2009

THE principal of a special educational needs school in Derry has appeared in court accused of sexual offences against a child, including multiple counts of rape.

The BBC reports that Dr Michael Dobbins, 52, of Greenhaw Road in the city, faces a total of ten charges, one of which involves a sexual act using a hairbrush.

These include six counts of rape and three of sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on dates between 2013 and 2015.

He also faces a single count of sexually assaulting a person with a mental disorder who was unlikely to be able to refuse.

He appeared today before Derry Magistrates’ Court by video-link from his solicitor’s office.
A prosecuting lawyer said there is a prima facia case to answer, which was agreed by the district judge.

Dr Dobbins declined the option to call witnesses or give evidence at this stage.

The district judge remanded him on his own bail of £500.

She ordered his arraignment to take place next month at Derry Crown Court.

In 2009, Dr Dobbins won the Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School at the NI Teaching Awards held in Belfast.

Dr Dobbins became principal of Ardnashee School and College when Belmont House and Foyle View Schools merged in 2014.

Derry special needs school principal faces rape charges was last modified: May 11th, 2021 by cassoscoop

Tags:
Derry CityDERRY CROWN COURTDERRY MAGISTRATES' COURTDerry special needs school principal faces rape chargesGREENHAW ROADprosecution barristerrapeSexual assaultspecial needs school
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