Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3937Sexual assault (civil claim) · Co. Kerry

Retired judge fails to strike out sexual assault lawsuit in Co Kerry

Jill St John Harrington, 50, of Tralee, Co Kerry, alleges retired judge James O'Connor sexually assaulted her at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, in October 2017. Justice Mark Heslin dismissed O'Connor's application to strike out the High Court proceedings, rejecting arguments about procedural defects and inordinate delay.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court30 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
4 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMs St John Harrington, 50, of Tralee, Co Kerry, is seeking damages in the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí previously investigated the allegations but the DPP decided against a criminal case. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge's preliminary view was that Ms St John Harrington is entitled to the costs of the strike-out motion. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case returns the following month. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Jan2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Retired judge fails in effort to strike out lawsuit alleging sexual assault

    Reports that Justice Mark Heslin dismissed the defendant's strike-out application, rejecting arguments about procedural defects, inordinate delay, and the requirement for a personal injuries summons, and indicated the claimant is entitled to costs of the motion. The case returns the following month.

    victim, Jill St John Harrington, 50, female, irish (judged from name)Jill St John Harringtonaccused, male, irish (judged from name)