Supreme Court judge formally resigns after assaulting partner who spent months in hospital after abuse

A Supreme Court judge who assaulted and emotionally abused his then-partner has resigned.

Tasmanian Justice Gregory Geason was sentenced on Thursday to 100 hours community service as part of a 12-month community corrections order.

The 63-year-old was in October found guilty of one count of assault and one count of emotional abuse or intimidation.

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Geason, who pleaded not guilty and faced a hearing, grabbed, shook, punched and pushed the woman at a Hobart home in October 2023.

She fell backwards and hit her head on a mantelpiece, suffering concussion and bruising.

The court was told Geason insulted the woman, tracked her movements and was aggressive, jealous and controlling.

His lawyer on Tuesday told Hobart Magistrates Court that Geason intended to resign because he felt he no longer had the moral authority to continue as a judge.

“The government has received confirmation that Justice Gregory Geason has tendered his resignation as a puisne judge of the Supreme Court of Tasmania with immediate effect,” Attorney-General Guy Barnett said in a statement on Monday.

The government had planned to move a parliamentary motion on Tuesday to remove Geason had he not quit as flagged.

Geason had been on leave since being charged in November 2023 and had given a written pledge to not undertake judicial duties.

As part of the court order, he was told to continue mental health treatment and not leave Tasmania unless he had permission.

Sentencing magistrate Susan Wakeling noted publicity around the case had been “damaging” to Geason and his 30-year legal career was effectively over.

Wakeling described Geason’s version of the assault, in which he said the woman tripped, as “implausible” and said he had not shown remorse.

She said the woman, who told the court she spent months in hospital after the assault, was a truthful witness.

Earlier in October, Geason, who had served as a judge since 2017, pleaded guilty to breaching an apprehended family violence order in NSW.

Tasmania’s parliament has passed law reforms after a government attempt in December to suspend Geason was abandoned because of constitutional concerns.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.

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