PELL CLAIMS ‘IMPOSSIBLE’
SOME of the allegations made against Cardinal George Pell could simply never have happened, his legal team says.
Cardinal Pell will face a month-long preliminary hearing next March as he fights to clear his name of historical sexual offence allegations.
The Cardinal, who has taken leave from his post as the Vatican’s finance chief, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday for his second hearing since being charged in June.
Despite fewer people turning out than for his first court hearing, Cardinal Pell was again mobbed as he arrived and left court.
Inside court his highprofile lawyer, Robert Richter, QC, reiterated that his high-profile client would fight every charge brought against him.
Mr Richter told the court it was “impossible” allegations of historical sexual offending at St Patrick’s Cathedral could have occurred.
“The notion that it couldn’t have happened needs to be explored,” he said.
Mr Richter said he would seek to prove that at an upcoming hearing, which was yesterday set down for March 5.
Dozens of witnesses, including former choirboys, will be called during the preliminary hearing that prosecutors estimate will last four weeks.
The court heard at least 55 witnesses had made statements to police, but it is unclear how many Cardinal Pell’s legal team have formally sought to cross examine