“Cardinal George Pell faces court over historical sex offences”, Herald Sun
Shannon Deery and Cassie Zervos, Andrea Hamblin, Melbourne, July 26, 2017
CARDINAL George Pell has been swamped by crowds as he tried to leave a court hearing this morning flanked by scores of police.
The Cardinal will plead not guilty to sex offence allegations, his barrister Robert Richter, QC told the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
“For the avoidance of doubt … Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to all charges, and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has,” Mr Richter said.
In one of the most chaotic scenes ever witnessed at the court, it almost took longer for Cardinal Pell to walk the 100m to his lawyer’s offices following his appearance than the eight minute hearing itself.
He was flanked by a dozen police who tried to hold crowds and media at bay, and largely managed to shield the Cardinal as media threw questions and some onlookers hurled abuse.
There were also supporters of Pell outside court, one lady holding a sign saying “thankyou for helping my family”.
On several occasions during the walk between court and Mr Richter’s chambers, Cardinal Pell was swamped by the crowd.
At one point police were forced to stop traffic on Lonsdale St as chaotic scenes escalated.
After arriving at the chambers more than a dozen police formed a human shield blocking the entrance to the building.
About an hour after the hearing more than 20 police remained outside Mr Richter’s chambers. Cardinal Pell was driven from the office shortly after 11am.
During the hearing Magistrate Duncan Reynolds read a prepared statement because of the high interest in the case.
He outlined the purpose of the hearing, flagging it as a purely administrative hearing.
Senior prosecutor, Andrew Tinney, SC, also read a statement to the court, stressing the need for “fair and accurate reporting” by media.
Prosecutors have until September 8 to prepare their brief of evidence, but Mr Tinney said it was likely the brief would be served by next week.
A committal mention date has been set for October 6.
There were also chaotic scenes as the Cardinal arrived at court.
Media from around the world hurled questions at the Cardinal but he remained silent.
Dressed in a black overcoat, he stared at the ground for much of the walk to the court steps.
After a standard security check Cardinal Pell walked into the court building.
Prior to the short hearing he took his seat in Court 2 and stared straight ahead.
Cardinal Pell briefly nodded at his official spokeswoman, Archdiocese of Sydney spokeswoman Katrina Lee.
Pell wore his usual clerical clothes, black suit and collar for today’s hearing.
It was standing room only in court which was packed with media, clergy abuse victims and their supporters.
It seats just 37 people.
When he was charged with historical sex offences last month the Cardinal said he was looking forward to having his day in court in a bid to prove his innocence.
The Cardinal’s hearing is historic for the Catholic Church which has been rocked by the criminal proceedings against the Vatican official.
Media crews and supporters of abuse survivors arrived early at court, with CNN the first to arrive at 5am.
The court opened about 8.30am with media slowly making their way inside the court building.
Protesters holding posters, masks and messages were on the steps of the court.
Protester Brian Jones said whatever the outcome, he hoped justice would “finally be served”.
“I’m here supporting my friend who was born in a Catholic country,” Mr Jones said.
Sex abuse survivor Brian Cherrie said victims and their supporters would be relieved the Cardinal was fronting court in person.
“It’s relief for a lot people,” Mr Cherrie said.
“We need the truth.”
Cardinal Pell’s supporters arrived at court later holding up posters with messages of support.
Related: Cardinal George Pell charged over sex offences
Cardinal Pell is the most senior Catholic to ever face court charged with sex offences.
The nature of the charges being faced by Cardinal Pell have not yet been revealed.
It is known only that there are multiple charges relating to multiple complainants.
Since the Herald Sun first revealed in February 2015 Cardinal Pell was under investigation he has persistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The 76-year-old immediately took a leave of absence from his post as the Vatican’s finance chief in a move church insiders predict may have ended his Vatican career.
“I’m innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sex offences is abhorrent to me,” he said to a global press conference on the day he was charged.
“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.”
Today’s filing hearing formally started the court proceedings that legal experts predict could continue for several years.