Cardinal George Pell appears on sexual abuse charges

Cardinal George Pell has arrived at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court guarded by a ring of police and a pack of media.

The highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with sexual abuse on Friday moved at a slow pace accompanied by police along the 100 metres from his lawyer’s office to the court steps, where he went through security checks.

He did not react as a protester called out abuse.

The third-most senior Vatican official’s case is listed for a committal mention, which might only last minutes. 

 

Cardinal George Pell has again drawn a crowd for his attendance at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a brief mention of his sexual abuse case

The highest-ranking Catholic official (pictured) to be charged with sexual abuse on Friday moved at a slow pace accompanied by police along the 100 metres from his lawyer's office to the court steps, where he went through security checks

The highest-ranking Catholic official (pictured) to be charged with sexual abuse on Friday moved at a slow pace accompanied by police along the 100 metres from his lawyer’s office to the court steps, where he went through security checks

About 30 journalists and camera operators lined up outside the building from 6am and police later guarded the court entrance (pictured is a protester)

About 30 journalists and camera operators lined up outside the building from 6am and police later guarded the court entrance (pictured is a protester)

About 30 journalists and camera operators lined up outside the building from 6am and police later guarded the court entrance.

There was no sign of Pell supporters, but some victim advocacy representatives turned up, some holding signs. 

‘It doesn’t matter how high up the tree you are, it doesn’t matter how much access to money you have, no one is above the law,’ Brian Cherrie said. 

A number of issues may be canvassed during the brief hearing including what witnesses will be called to give evidence at a subsequent committal hearing.

The magistrate may set a date for the committal hearing, which is likely to be held in early 2018.

It is at the committal hearing that a magistrate will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial in the Victorian County Court.

A number of issues may be canvassed during the brief hearing including what witnesses will be called to give evidence at a subsequent committal hearing

A number of issues may be canvassed during the brief hearing including what witnesses will be called to give evidence at a subsequent committal hearing

Police are seen lined up in front of the courthouse in anticipation of Cardinal Pell's arrival 

Police are seen lined up in front of the courthouse in anticipation of Cardinal Pell’s arrival 

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to defend himself

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to defend himself

Pell, 76, does not have to enter a formal plea unless he is committed to stand trial.

He will plead not guilty to all charges, his high-profile barrister Robert Richter QC told the cardinal’s first court appearance on July 26.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to defend himself. 

Friday’s turnout is more low-key than Pell’s first court appearance on July 26 when a 100-strong group of national and international media swarmed the cardinal as he walked the 100 metres from his barrister’s office to court. 

Friday's turnout is more low-key than Pell's first court appearance on July 26 when a 100-strong group of national and international media swarmed the cardinal  (pictured)

Friday’s turnout is more low-key than Pell’s first court appearance on July 26 when a 100-strong group of national and international media swarmed the cardinal (pictured)

 

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