'We will hold him to account:' Teacher who indecently assaulted pupils to be released from jail

Warning: this article discusses sexual abuse.

Former schoolteacher Damian Patrick Young still maintains his innocence more than two years after he was jailed for indecently assaulting three students.

The 59-year-old, who was imprisoned for two years and seven months in June 2024, will be released on 2 November after a parole hearing on Friday.

Young worked at two Christchurch schools during the offending.

Under the pretence of viewing films and dimming the lights in his classes, he approached girls and inappropriately touched them.

Two of the 10 indecent assault accusations against him were representative.

He elected a trial, during which the jury heard statements from the girls.

The parents who complained about him also testified.

In his defence, educators, former educators and co-workers told jurors Young had little opportunity to offend.

But the jury found him guilty of six charges, including the representative ones.