Content warning: This article mentions sensitive topics, including assault and emotional abuse, that may be triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the Australian legal community, a Supreme Court judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.

This marks the first time in over two centuries that a Supreme Court judge has faced criminal charges, making this a historic moment in Australian jurisprudence.

Justice Gregory Geason, a 62-year-old Tasmanian Supreme Court judge, was brought before the Hobart Magistrates Court in an out-of-session sitting on a Friday night.

The charges levelled against him include one count of common assault and one count of emotional abuse.

Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason was arrested. Credit: news.com.au

In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the media was denied access to the proceedings.

The Tasmanian Department of Justice confirmed that the court had imposed restrictions on reporting the name of the 'affected person' in accordance with the Family Violence Act.

Justice Geason was granted bail, and the case is set to be heard on February 6 next year. The Supreme Court judge was reportedly escorted from the building via a back entrance to avoid the media waiting outside.

Tasmania Police confirmed the arrest and charges against the 62-year-old Hobart man on Friday.

'The man has been charged with one count of common assault, as well as one count of emotional abuse,' a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

Justice Geason, a respected figure in the legal community, was appointed to the Tasmanian Supreme Court in November 2017. He has practised law for nearly four decades, making his arrest and charges all the more shocking.

In a dramatic twist, Chief Justice Alan Blow was compelled to ask Justice Geason to step aside in early November. The details surrounding this move were scant, adding to the intrigue and speculation.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Guy Barnett issued a brief statement to the media, revealing that a Supreme Court judge had been asked to 'take leave without further notice' at the behest of the Chief Justice.

'Today I met with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in relation to a significant matter involving a Judge,' the statement read.

'The Chief Justice has asked the Judge to take leave until further notice.'

The arrest and charges against Justice Geason have sent ripples through the legal community, raising questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the potential impact on ongoing cases.

The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the state, is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of these standards can have far-reaching implications.

Aside from members of the judiciary, public figures, such as television personalities, are expected to be of good moral values and integrity.

This story comes after an unnamed female television personality from Channel 7, who has already been accused of a series of grave offences related to indecent treatment of a child, has been hit with an additional 40 charges. Read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Supreme Court Judge has been arrested and charged with assault and emotional abuse.
• The judge, Justice Gregory Geason, appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court on charges of common assault and emotional abuse.
• Justice Geason has been granted bail, and the case will be heard on February 6 next year.
• Chief Justice Alan Blow had asked Justice Geason to 'take leave without further notice' in early November before the charges were laid.

What are your thoughts on this unprecedented event, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Kelpie]

Talking about hitting the nail,on the head. I want to know and I think most would agree with me , who holds the High Court magistrates etc accountable for their actions? Case in point “ releasing the detainees” who are now causing more grief for families by them reoffending?
I say send the arseholes back from where they come from tear up,their passports and ban them from returning to Australia for life! They should have been sent back as soon as they offended.
Should put the magistrates in their place and detain them for all the grief they have caused!!!

Do you think that the Greenies will agree to that.? Think again. And the Labour will have to work out a plan nad make some deals to satisfy the Greens demands if they want to remain in power.

 

[Kelpie]

Every case deserves to be heard on its merits from both parties....there should be no favor asked or given because of someone's position in the community....the presiding Judge will make a decision based on many factors after listening to each parties submission....there is a lot to happen in this case before any court appearance and we should all just wait and see what eventuates in the future.

True, but let's hope that the sitting Judge on the day will be fair and treat it as equal to everyone else.

 

[marni]

I feel if a judge releases someone back into the community - he should be held accountable if the police yet again have to apprehend the same offender within a certain time.

 

[Kelpie]

I feel if a judge releases someone back into the community - he should be held accountable if the police yet again have to apprehend the same offender within a certain time.

Agreed. But it is never going to happen.