Ex-District Court judge Heather Perrin has been jailed for 2 and a half years for deceiving an old family friend into leaving almost half of his €1 million estate to her children.

The 61-year-old of Lambay Court, Malahide in Co. Dublin wrote her children Adam and Sybill into the will of 83-year-old Thomas Davis in January 2009 while acting as his solicitor.

She was convicted of deception by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last week.

Heather Perrin shed tears and embraced her husband Albert in court today before being led away to begin serving her sentence.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring described the case as one of the most serious breaches of trust to have come before the courts.

She said Heather Perrin had a close personal relationship with Thomas and Ada Davis which was built up by a lifetime of experience; they had taken holidays together and lunched together.

The former judge was also their legal advisor and they followed her advice implicitly.

Evidence heard at trial

Mr. Davis gave evidence at Heather Perrin's trial that weeks before she was appointed a judge she drew up his will which he signed at her practice in Fairview on January 22nd 2009.

He said he had given instructions that his 2 nieces - Alison Rowley and Michelle Cheklin - were to inherit most of his estate.

He told the jury he did not read over the will before signing it as he trusted Ms. Perrin and she appeared to be in a hurry.

When the discrepancy came to light the 61-year-old initially claimed there had been a secretarial error but later claimed to gardai she had acted in accordance with Mr. Davis's instructions.

Defence barrister Patrick Gageby today informed the court that Heather Perrin accepts the jury verdict last week and has since resigned from the bench.

'Fall from grace'

He argued that along with the bleak prospect of prison  the former judge has suffered a very public fall from grace her professional life is in utter ruin and she faces a notoriety that will mark her for the rest of her life.

He submitted character references from her friends and family and argued Heather Perrin, as a former judge, would have a more difficult time in custody.

She has no previous convictions.

The defence also called medical evidence from orthopedic surgeon, Professor Damien McCormack that Heather Perrin is recovering from a life threatening soft tissue infection in her leg.

Judge Ring took into account the medical evidence and the 'clang of the prison gates' principal, but also the profound effect of the crime on public confidence.

She also said Heather Perrin must bear the responsibility of the nightmare her adult children are now caught up in.

The judge said while it is regrettable that any man or women should go to jail, the breaches of trust were of such a level that the court had no other option.

Following the sentencing today the Justice Minister Alan Shatter said “it is of the utmost importance that a client can trust a solicitor''.

He said he had considered impeaching Heather Perrin but her resignation meant this was no longer necessary.