George Pell Has Been Sentenced To 6 Years In Prison
BREAKING.
Cardinal George Pell has been sentenced to six years in prison following his conviction for child sex abuse, with a non-parole period of three years and eight months.
Warning: this article discusses sexual and child abuse.
The sentence was handed down Wednesday morning by Victorian County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd, who called Pell’s crimes “brazen” and said that his victims must have felt a sense of “degradation and humiliation”. Pell was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault, in two separate incidents in the late 90s, in December.
“There was a clear relationship of trust with the victims, and you breached that trust and abused your position,” Kidd said. “In my view, your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance … I consider your moral culpability across both episodes to be high.”
In considering the sentence, Kidd said he had taken into account Pell’s advanced age, health problems and the fact that he had lived “an otherwise blameless life in the 22 years since the offending”. Kidd also cited a character reference from former Prime Minister John Howard in his considerations before sentencing.
“I am conscious that the term of imprisonment, which I am about to impose upon you, carries with it a real, as distinct from theoretical, possibility that you may not live to be released from prison,” he said.
Kidd did say he was imposing “a shorter non-parole period than I otherwise would have been inclined to impose, in recognition in particular of your age, so as to increase the prospect of your living
out the last part of your life in the community”.
Kidd says the argument from Pell’s defence that if Pell offended he must have had a sudden moment of irrationality is “breathtakingly arrogant”. Pell was intelligent and knew what he was doing, Kidd says.
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) March 12, 2019
The judge also said it was important to acknowledge the “unique context” surrounding the case.
“In recent years there has been the exposure of child sexual abuse within institutional settings, including within the Catholic church,” Kidd told Pell. “You are to be punished only for the particular wrongdoing you have been convicted of … of sexually abusing two boys in the 1990s.
“You are not to be made a scapegoat for the Catholic church.”
Kidd also said there had been “examples of a witch-hunt or lynch mob mentality” in the community following Pell’s conviction. “I utterly condemn this behaviour,” he said.
As we prepare for the sentencing of Cardinal George Pell today, protesters have already gathered hours before the court opens. pic.twitter.com/dEqEDEcg38
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) March 12, 2019
Cardinal Pell, the highest ranking Australian in the Catholic church, was convicted in December of orally raping a 13 year old choir boy and molesting another in Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996 and 1997. In total he was found guilty on five counts – one of sexual penetration of a child under 16 years and four of committing an indecent act with or in the presence of a child under 16 years. Each charge carries a maximum jail term of 10 years.
Pell’s conviction, which was subject to a media suppression order and only became public knowledge late last month, has sent shock waves through the Catholic community. A number of prominent conservatives including News Corp columnists Andrew Bolt and Miranda Devine, and former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, have defended the cardinal’s character. Which seems like a pretty appalling hill to die on, but there you go.
Pell maintains his innocence and is appealing his conviction. The appeals court is set to hear his case in early June.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.