A Sydney languages teacher, Helga Lam, accused of sexually abusing male students in the late 1970s, has been relieved from paying a substantial amount to the victims. The judge ruled that although the abuse took place, Lam, now 71 years old, was not liable as she was deemed unaware of the harm caused by her actions at that time.

Last year, the former students, now adults, filed civil suits against the state of New South Wales, resulting in a settlement of AUD$2.5 million. Despite denying any wrongdoing and previously pleading not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault, Lam was found not responsible for the sum by the judge’s decision.

According to Justice Ian Harrison, there was evidence confirming the sexual contact described by the plaintiffs. He acknowledged the abuse but highlighted that societal awareness and understanding of such issues were different almost five decades ago. Therefore, the judge concluded that Lam could not have foreseen the harm caused by her actions based on the standards of that era.

The ruling absolving Lam from financial liability signified that the state could not pursue her for compensation, having acknowledged its failure to fulfill its duty to the victims. While the school was found negligent for not preventing the abuse despite receiving complaints, Lam was deemed not negligent as her authority and control were limited by her contractual obligations.

Lam’s lawyer, Osman Samin, expressed the stress caused by the dated allegations and emphasized the challenge of defending against accusations dating back 40 years.