Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty, his lawyer confirms
Cardinal George Pell will plead not guilty to all accusations of sexual assault against him, his lawyer has told a Melbourne court.
The Vatican treasurer, 76, appeared in person for the brief administrative hearing on Wednesday.
Cardinal Pell is accused of historical assaults involving “multiple complainants”, police said last month.
The senior Catholic Church figure has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He was not required to enter a plea during the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes.
“Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to all charges, and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has,” his barrister Robert Richter, QC, told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutors were given until 8 September to prepare a brief of evidence. The next hearing, known as a committal mention, will be on 6 October.
Cardinal Pell was flanked by police officers and surrounded by crowds as he entered and left court.
Dozens of local and international media representatives had gathered outside, along with security guards and other onlookers.
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