Australian court rejects Cardinal George Pell's appeal
An Australian court has rejected a bid to have the conviction of George Pell on sexual abuse charges overturned, leaving the cardinal to continue serving a six-year prison sentence while his lawyers consider appealing to the High Court.
- World
- Compiled from news agencies
- Published Date: 11:50 | 21 August 2019
- Modified Date: 11:50 | 21 August 2019
A court in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday rejected an appeal by Cardinal George Pell to overturn his conviction for sexual abuse, for which he is serving a six-year prison term.
In mid-March, 77-year-old Pell, Australia's top Catholic cardinal, was convicted of sexually assaulting two choirboys in 1996 and 1997 during his time as cardinal at a Melbourne cathedral.
The Supreme Court of Victoria rejected the appeal by a 2-1 majority during the hearing, which was broadcast live on the court's official website.
People outside the building and those watching the hearing inside the courtroom welcomed the decision.
"It is a great day for everyone. It is an exciting and historical day for the world," Rob House, one of the victims, told Anadolu Agency.
House noted that the verdict would contribute to preventing sexual assaults in Catholic churches, "which is wonderful".
Pell returned to prison following the court's decision.