Court reports mentioning Gerard O'Brien

2026-03-10

Judge who sexually abused young men argues jury charge was 'weighted against' him

Stage: Appeal

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; He was jailed for four years in June 2024 by Mr Justice Alexander Owens. Imposing sentence, Mr Justice Owens said O'Brien was "unsuitable to hold office".

2024-05-31

'Unsuitable to hold office': former judge jailed for attempted rape and sex abuse

Stage: Sentence

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Lawyers for Gerard O'Brien (59), who had his sentencing hearing twice postponed, had asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence. Mr Justice Alexander Owens made today sentenced O'Brien to five years and nine months' imprisonment, with the final 21 months suspended under strict conditions.

2024-05-29

Judge has sentence hearing for attempted rape and sex abuse of six young men adjourned

Stage: Sentence

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Mr Justice Alexander Owens previously indicated that his provisional view is that he will impose a custodial sentence.; He asked for a report from the Irish Prison Services in relation to the facilities that would be available to O'Brien and remanded him on continuing bail until the next date.

2024-02-19

Former judge convicted of attempted rape and sex abuse has sentence hearing postponed for weeks

Stage: Sentence

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Mr Justice Alexander Owens agreed to adjourn the sentence date to April 29 and remanded O'Brien, who was not present in court, on continuing bail.; Mr Justice Alexander Owens agreed to adjourn the sentence date to April 29 and remanded O'Brien, who was not present in court, on continuing bail.