Pell’s QC in claims of police bias on probe

POLICE did not properly investigate allegations against Cardinal George Pell, his lawyer told a magistrate yesterday.

Cardinal Pell was facing the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on the first day of an expected month-long preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send him for trial on historical sexual offence charges, the exact nature of which have yet to be made public.

Up to 50 witnesses could be called, but the complainants are to give evidence in a closed court.

During the 24 minutes the court was open to the public yesterday, Robert Richter, QC, for Cardinal Pell, said his client had been the victim of a biased police investigation.

He said police had failed to investigate 21 “exculpatory” witness statements provided by Cardinal Pell’s lawyers.

He said police had also failed to follow recommended procedures for the prosecution of prominent people.

“We say that was not followed because there was a presumption of guilt,” he said.

Cardinal Pell, who was charged last June, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Also yesterday, prosecutors made minor amendments to charges and sought leave for some witnesses to appear via videolink and for others to be aided by a support dog.

“I always thought dogs were there for children and very old people, but if they want a dog … we don’t object to the dog,” Mr Richter said.

The cardinal was also granted the right to have a support person sit with him, owing to his age and health problems.

It was his third appearance at the court since returning home from the Vatican after being charged last June.

While there were fewer protesters and supporters outside court, Cardinal Pell was again flanked by a human wall of police as he entered court.