More Pell charges loom
Defence learns of witness’s new claims to police
CARDINAL George Pell’s lawyer has revealed Australia’s highest-ranked Catholic could face more charges based on a new statement made by a witness involved in a historical sex offences court hearing.
Two of Cardinal Pell’s colleagues also say he was never alone at one of the locations where he is accused of committing a sex offence.
Cardinal Pell, 76, is fighting multiple historical sex offence charges at a month-long committal hearing before Melbourne Magistrates Court that will determine if he stands trial.
His barrister, Robert Richter QC, yesterday said a witness who was scheduled to give evidence at the hearing had made a second statement to police overnight. “We do not know at this stage if charges would be laid or not,” he told the pre-trial hearing.
“It’s more than troubling, and we would submit that he should not be called at this stage.”
Mr Richter said the defence needed time to obtain further information, and requested the man and his primary police statement be removed from the committal hearing, which the prosecution did not oppose.
Mr Richter also said the defence disputes the man’s first statement about Cardinal Pell’s presence at one of the locations where he is alleged to have committed a sex offence.
The cardinal has been charged with multiple historical sex offences involving multiple complainants.
The court has not released any details about the charges.
Two of Cardinal Pell’s colleagues yesterday gave evidence about where Cardinal Pell changed into his vestments with the help of either another priest or an assistant.
“It was not possible for him to be alone at a Sunday Mass. It’s simply impossible,” Fr Charles Portelli said.
Fr Portelli said it was “utterly impossible” members of the choir could enter the sacristy, a small room reserved for clergy.
The man who looked after the room said it was not possible for choir members to interact with clergy.
“I’m sorry, no way that could have happened,” he said.