A 41-year-old woman has been awarded $578,000 (€400,000) by the High Court in Dublin. The woman, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress, was sexually abused by her Irish dance teacher over a period of seven years.

Two criminal cases against the teacher had failed as both juries disagreed on the verdict. However the woman was successful with her claim in the civil court.

Justice Sean Ryan said the woman had established that her teacher had committed acts of sexual abuse against her. He called her evidence coherent, consistent, credible and detailed.

The woman had been abused by her teacher between 1982 and 1989. She was between the ages of 12 and 19.

Her teacher denied the allegations. His claims of innocence delayed her in taking the civil action, according to reports in the Irish Independent.

The Judge ruled that the woman had suffered great psychological injury due to the abuse. This also prevented her taking legal action sooner. The court heard that the woman is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to Highland Radio a ruling as to whether the Irish dance teacher's name can be published is expected later this week.

The defendant's lawyers maintain that he is innocent and that the woman should not have been allowed to take the civil action. The judge ruled the man's evidence as inconsistent and unconvincing.

The man was charged with 24 counts of indecent assault. He underwent two trials in which juries were unable to reach a verdict. After the second trial, the State decided not to pursue the matter.