Judge resigns following conviction for sexual assaults

Muireann Duffy

A Circuit Court judge found guilty of attempted anal rape and sexual assault while he was a teacher in the 1990s has resigned from his position, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed.

Gerard O'Brien (59), of Old School House, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was found guilty of one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault against six complainants following a four-week trial last month.

In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Ms McEntee confirmed O'Brien conveyed his resignation on Saturday, effective from January 5th.

"The resignation has been conveyed to the President in accordance with the requirements of section 6 (2) of the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Act 1961," the statement added.

The statement said the Minister "will be making no further comment on this matter prior to the court finalising the case by sentencing," which is scheduled for March 4th.