Convicted judge Gregory Geason yet to tender resignation despite saying he would quit ‘imminently’

Convicted judge Gregory Geason is yet to tender his resignation to the state government and the Supreme Court of Tasmania, despite saying he would quit “imminently”.

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

A judge convicted of domestic violence offences has yet to tender his resignation to the state government and the Supreme Court despite saying he intended to “imminently” relinquish the position.

Justice Gregory Geason was this week sentenced to 100 hours of community service for assault and emotional abuse, described by a magistrate as having had a “profound effect” on the female victim.

The 63-year-old had pleaded not guilty to both charges brought against him, which were alleged to have been perpetrated against the woman over a nine-month period last year.

Convictions were recorded for both offences.

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

While Justice Geason has informed Chief Justice Alan Blow of his intention to resign, he is yet to officially confirm his resignation with the court.

“Justice Geason has advised the Chief Justice that he has decided to resign, but has not yet tendered his resignation,” a Supreme Court of Tasmania spokesperson said on Friday.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the government had also not had confirmation from Justice Geason.

“Failing confirmation of Justice Geason’s resignation before the next parliamentary sitting day, it is my intention to move a motion in the House of Assembly calling on the Governor to remove Justice Geason,” he said in a statement late on Friday afternoon.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett. Picture: Linda Higginson

Both houses of state parliament will next sit on Tuesday, November 19.

Justice Geason’s defence lawyer, Fabiano Cangelosi, told the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday that his client had “lost everything” in the wake of the legal findings against him and believed he had “lost the moral authority for any judicial officer to sit in judgement of other human beings”.

“The defendant has reached the conclusion that he cannot sit as a judge,” Mr Cangelosi said.