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. 4051Sexual assault, trespass to the person · Co. Kerry

Retired judge James O'Connor seeks to strike out sexual assault claim from 2017 book launch in Killarney

Retired District Court judge James O'Connor of Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, applied to the High Court to strike out a personal injury action brought by a 49-year-old woman who alleges he sexually assaulted her at a book launch at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, in October 2017. The DPP had previously decided against a criminal case, and the judge denies all allegations, with Mr Justice Mark Heslin reserving judgment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court20 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe woman claims the judge positioned himself to the right of her and she could feel his hand touching her hip and moving down towards her private parts. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe woman alleged the judge later put his arms around her and slapped her on the buttocks. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe alleged incidents occurred at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe alleged incidents occurred in October 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe retired judge received pleadings in the case in October 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí investigated the matter. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe DPP decided against a criminal case over the alleged assault. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe woman is claiming damages for alleged sexual assault and alleged trespass to the person. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHis barrister Elizabeth Murphy applied to strike out the action on grounds of delay. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMs Murphy claimed the action was statute-barred. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBarrister Laurence Masterson said no allegation of negligence had been made, meaning the limitation period was six years. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Justice Mark Heslin reserved judgment. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge has denied all allegations. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe woman had appeared before the judge in relation to family law proceedings. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHer GP diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe retired judge said he believed the claim was malicious, ill-motivated and entirely unfounded. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Jan2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Retired judge seeks to strike out lawsuit alleging sexual assault at book launch

    Reports the High Court hearing where the retired judge's barrister Elizabeth Murphy applied to strike out the action on grounds of delay and statute-bar, while the woman's barrister Laurence Masterson argued the six-year limitation period applied. Mr Justice Mark Heslin reserved judgment.

    victim, 49, femaleaccused, male, irish (judged from name)