Cardinal George Pell to stand trial: "There is enough evidence to commit him"
Cardinal George Pell is scheduled to face Victoria’s County Court today a day after being committed to stand trial on historical sex offences, as part of an administrative hearing that is expected to lock down possible dates and durations.
The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday after being ordered to stand trial on multiple charges.
9news.com.au reports Magistrate Belinda Wallington had dismissed some of the more serious charges against the senior Catholic due to a lack of evidence.
"The most serious offending alleged could not have occurred in the time frame alleged," she said.
"I find that the evidence as a whole is not of sufficient weight for a jury to convict."
Among matters proceeding to the trial are accusations about incidents at a swimming pool, as well as allegations he removed ceremonial robes at a church to engage in a sexual act.
This ruling follows a four-week pre-trial committal hearing where 30 people were cross-examined by Pell’s legal team, and the cardinal’s barrister, Robert Richter QC, has said that there is a possibility his client would be facing separate trials.
Pell has taken leave as the Vatican’s treasurer and is prohibited from leaving Australia as the trial commences, as part of his bail conditions.
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