Tasmanian Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason sentenced, his supporters clash with media

Supporters of Tasmanian judge Gregory Geason, who today was sentenced for assaulting a woman, have clashed with media. WATCH THE VIDEO >>

Supporters of a Tasmanian judge convicted of domestic violence offences have clashed with media outside a Hobart court, with one family member grabbing a reporter’s microphone before declaring the 63-year-old Supreme Court justice was “not guilty” of the charges.

The wild scenes occurred moments after Justice Gregory Geason was sentenced to 100 hours community service for assault and emotional abuse that a magistrate has described as having a “profound effect” on the female victim.

Justice Geason’s sentence forms part of a 12-month community service order, with the court also recording convictions for both offences.

Supporters of Tasmanian judge Gregory Geason clashed with media outside of the Hobart Magistrates Court following his sentencing on Thursday. Picture: Duncan Abey

Supporters of Tasmanian judge Gregory Geason clashed with media outside of the Hobart Magistrates Court following his sentencing on Thursday. Picture: Duncan Abey

Supporters of Tasmanian judge Gregory Geason clashed with media outside of the Hobart Magistrates Court following his sentencing on Thursday. Picture: Duncan Abey

Justice Geason had pleaded not guilty to both charges, which were alleged to have been perpetrated against the woman over the course of nine months in 2023.

During a seven-day hearing in July, the woman gave evidence that she suffered concussion and significant bruising from the assault that occurred inside a Battery Point residence on 31 October last year.

Proceedings were presided over by Victorian Deputy Chief Magistrate Susan Wakeling, who was appointed after it was found that no Tasmanian magistrate could hear the case.

In sentencing, Magistrate Wakeling said she considered the common assault perpetrated by Justice Geason as serious, given it had occurred in a family violence context, Magistrate Wakeling also observed that emotional abuse and intimidation generally had an “inherent corrosive effect” on victims.

Gregory Geason sentence at Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The sentence called for a strong denunciation of violence against women, the magistrate told Justice Geason.

“Your moral culpability is high having regard to your relationship with the complainant and the abuse of her trust,” Magistrate Wakeling said.

“Your love for her does not mitigate that breach of trust.

“You have not demonstrated remorse for your conduct, even following your finding of guilt.

“You are 63 years of age and your 30-year legal career is at an end.”

When asked about his sentence outside court, Justice Geason told waiting media “I have nothing to say”.

Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason avoids jail

INITIAL: A Tasmanian Supreme Court judge has been sentenced to 100 hours community service on Thursday, for the assault and emotional abuse a woman that a magistrate has described as having a “profound effect” on the victim.

His sentence will be part of a 12 month community service order and his conviction will be recorded.

Justice Gregory Geason, 63, had pleaded not guilty to both charges, which were alleged to have been perpetrated against the woman over the course of nine months in 2023.

During a seven-day hearing in July, the woman gave evidence that she suffered concussion and significant bruising from the assault that occurred inside a Battery Point residence on 31 October last year.

Proceedings have been presided over by Victorian Deputy Chief Magistrate Susan Wakeling, who was appointed after it was found that no Tasmanian magistrate could hear the case.

Justice Geason has remained suspended from his role on the Supreme Court bench.

During sentencing submissions held on Tuesday, Justice Geason’s defence counsel told the court the judge would quit his position “imminently”.

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Originally published as Tasmanian Supreme Court judge Gregory Geason sentenced, his supporters clash with media