Judge accused of domestic abuse admits regifting woman’s $30K ring before violence allegations

A Tasmanian judge who once had an affair with his young associate has admitted he regifted her $30,000 Tiffany engagement ring to another woman – who has now accused him of domestic violence.

Justice Gregory Geason arriving at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday. Picture: Chris Kidd

A Tasmanian judge who once had an affair with his much-younger associate has admitted he regifted her $30,000 Tiffany engagement ring to another partner, a woman who has now accused him of domestic violence.

The astonishing revelation was aired in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday, during day five of a contested hearing.

Justice Geason, 63, has pleaded not guilty to common assault and emotional abuse or intimidation he allegedly committed against a former partner – who cannot be named for legal reasons – during 2023.

On Friday, Justice Geason took the unusual and unexpected step of taking to the witness stand to defend himself – the first time in Tasmanian history a Supreme Court judge has found themselves in such a position.

During the hearing, Justice Geason categorically denied – under questioning from his barrister Tom Percy KC – having taken steps to control the woman, having tracked her using technology, or having drunkenly harangued her during arguments, repeatedly calling her a “slut”.

Justice Geason denied being a “jealous, possessive” partner, but admitted he could be “insecure”.

Justice Gregory Geason. Picture: Chris Kidd

He also told the court he had given the woman a $30,000 Tiffany engagement ring he’d previously purchased for his associate, Sarah Gregory, who he began a relationship with while still married.

Justice Geason said Ms Gregory had left the ring in Hobart when their relationship ended, which he said was largely due to their “age difference” and the fact she wished to return to Melbourne.

Justice Geason said he and the woman became engaged in October last year, and gave her the ring after being honest it had been originally purchased for Ms Gregory.

“It makes me sound a bit like a cheapskate,” he told the court, before Magistrate Susan Wakeling.

“I did have a Tiffany ring. It was a beautiful, expensive ring I’d purchased in Vienna the year before.

“It was valued at over $30,000.”

He said the woman “loved” the ring.

“I didn’t have to tell her the ring’s history, but I did,” Justice Geason said.

“I said ‘if this in any way makes you feel uncomfortable, please tell me’.

“She said, very maturely, I thought, ‘that would be ridiculous’.”

Justice Geason said the relationship with Ms Gregory, who he simply referred to as “Sarah”, ended in November 2022.

He said he had never intended to track the woman’s movements using an iPhone he purchased for her, but instead installed the “Find my Friends” app to allay concerns she had about him.

“She was suspicious I was unfaithful or would be unfaithful, that was a common thread, so I was happy to show her where I was at all times,” he told the court.

Mr Percy asked if the woman’s fears had arisen as the result of his previous relationship with his associate, while he was still married.

“I think that’s what had underpinned those concerns,” he said.

“It wasn’t a bone of contention, but I think it was something that would fuel those concerns.”

Justice Geason, who has been on voluntary leave from the Supreme Court of Tasmania since December last year, has also revealed he wasn’t the “happiest person” in his judicial role, and was looking to leave the profession.

“I was not the happiest person as a judge. I found it a very draining and demanding occupation,” he said.

He said he and the woman had been talking about setting up their own business together.

The revelations about Justice Geason and his associate first came to light in February 2021 when the Mercury published a photo of the pair kissing at the Grand Poobah nightclub following the Law Society of Tasmania’s “Opening of the Legal Year” dinner.

The hearing continues.

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