Courts / Tipperary / Report
Judge found guilty of attempted rape and sex assaults against students
Summary
In a Circuit Court trial, Gerard O'Brien, a former secondary school teacher and then Circuit Court judge, was found guilty of one count of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault against six male complainants, some of whom were his students. The alleged offences took place between March 1991 and November 1997 in Leinster, when O'Brien was in his 30s and the complainants were aged 17 to 24. Evidence included accounts of O'Brien skipping classes to drink with students, inviting them to his home, and engaging in non‑consensual sexual acts while they were asleep or under the influence of alcohol. The jury deliberated for seven hours and thirty‑four minutes before delivering the verdicts. O'Brien, who has a rare birth defect, was remanded on continuing bail until sentencing on 4 March 2023. The judge thanked the jurors and noted O'Brien would be automatically added to the sex offenders register. Gerard O'Brien pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge found guilty of attempted rape and sex assaults against students. Charges or matters: six complainants, some of whom were his students. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 1991 Incident
- November 1997 Incident
- March 4, 2023 Adjournment
- January 1996 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1991 and 1997 Other
- 2023-12-22 Publication
Why: In his direct evidence, he said he "lied" to gardai initially because of "shame". CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: six complainants, some of whom were his students (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Owens directed the preparation of victim impact statements and remanded the defendant on continuing bail until sentencing on March 4, 2023.
Places mentioned
- Old School House
- O'Brien's house
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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