Sunday 1 November 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. 23326Sexual assault

Supreme Court grants George Gibney leave for judicial review of 1993 sexual abuse charges

The article details how the Supreme Court in December 1993 granted George Gibney leave to bring a judicial review challenging the DPP's decision to prosecute him on 27 counts of indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge, a process that ultimately led to a 1994 injunction preventing his trial. The piece is published in the context of Gibney's October 2026 sentencing to over 15 years for the sexual abuse of four girls.

  1. Reported
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whenThe earliest alleged offence date was between 1 January 1967 and 31 December 1967. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe latest alleged offence date was between June 1981 and 31 December 1981. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeGibney was charged with 27 counts of indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge of young swimmers under 15 in 1993. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtGibney's High Court application for judicial review was refused by Mr Justice Vivian Lavan on 19 July 1993. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe Supreme Court granted Gibney leave to bring the judicial review in a judgment delivered on 14 December 1993. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe Supreme Court panel consisted of Chief Justice Thomas Finlay, Mr Justice John Blayney and Ms Justice Susan Denham. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe High Court judge stated there was a prima facie case, no automatic time limit, and the matters were for the trial judge or jury. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtFinlay concluded by allowing the appeal and giving Gibney liberty to institute proceedings by way of judicial review. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtJustice Denham agreed with Finlay and stated that every person suspected, charged or convicted of an offence is entitled to the rule of law regardless of how heinous the crime. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtIn July 1994, Gibney successfully secured an injunction preventing the DPP from prosecuting him on the 27 charges. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherGibney's first ground for the injunction was that the elapsed time raised a presumption of prejudice that could not be avoided or cured. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe month after the injunction, Gibney had left Ireland and was working as a swimming coach. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Oct2026
    Otherthejournal.ie, first report
    How did the Supreme Court allow an abuser take a judicial review after he was charged in 1993?

    Provides the full text and analysis of the 1993 Supreme Court judgment that allowed Gibney to bring a judicial review, including the five legal tests applied, the four grounds Gibney raised, and Justice Denham's separate judgment on the rule of law and burden of proof. Confirms the injunction was granted in July 1994 and Gibney left Ireland in August 1994.

    accused, George Gibney, male, named, irish (judged from name)George Gibneyvictim, female