Pell charge dropped after accuser’s death

ONE of the historical sexual offence charges against Cardinal George Pell has been withdrawn because the accuser has died.

Crown Prosecutor Mark Gibson SC yesterday told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court one charge was being withdrawn.

Cardinal Pell, 76, will face a four-week hearing beginning on Monday to determine if he stands trial on historical sexual offence charges involving mul- tiple complainants. Details and the number of charges are not yet known.

Cardinal Pell denies the allegations, and when charged in June, said he would fight them.

The withdrawn charge comes two days after Cardinal Pell’s lawyers were denied access to materials relating to one of his alleged victim’s criminal history.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington said she had no power to compel Victoria Legal Aid to hand over the material from when they represented the complainant in unrelated criminal matters in 2006 and 2012.

Earlier this month, Magistrate Wallington refused requests by the Cardinal’s lawyers to get copies of his complainants’ private medical records.

Following an administrative hearing this year, ABC journalist Louise Milligan handed to his lawyers research notes for a book about Cardinal Pell and background material used to prepare TV reports for the national broadcaster. But the names of confidential sources were redacted to protect their identity.

The Cardinal has taken leave from his post as the Vatican’s finance chief, but has vowed to return to the job once he clears his name.

In June, Cardinal Pell jected the accusations.

“I’m innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sex offences is abhorrent to me,” he said.

“News of these charges strengthens my resolve, and court proceedings now offer me an opportunity, to clear my name and then return to my work in Rome. I am looking forward finally to having my day in court.” re-