Teacher jailed for assaulting students to be released in November

Former schoolteacher Damian Patrick Young will be released from prison on 2 November following a parole hearing. The 59-year-old, who was imprisoned for two years and seven months in June 2024, maintains his innocence.

Young was convicted of six indecent assault charges involving three students aged 6 to 8. During the offending, he worked at two unnamed Christchurch schools and approached the girls under the pretence of viewing films and dimming the lights.

Speaking from Rolleston Prison, Young told Parole Board members he would abide by his release conditions and would not jeopardise his reintegration. He expressed a desire to rebuild relationships with family and friends and planned to work in landscaping.

A family member told the board they would provide financial support and monitor Young to ensure he does not breach his release conditions or the Child Sex Offender Register. A Corrections officer described Young as a model prisoner.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.