Former Vatican treasurer Cardinal George Pell has been sentenced to six years in jail for sexually abusing two 13-year-old choirboys in 1996.
A jury convicted the Australian Cardinal in December of orally raping a 13-year-old choirboy and molesting another at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996.
Handing out the sentence on Wednesday, Chief Justice Peter Kidd said Pell acted with “physical aggression and venom”, the abuse had a “nasty element”, and his victims experienced “degradation and humiliation”.
The man who was once Australia’s most powerful Catholic sat in the dock wearing a suit without a clerical collar, as Kidd carried out the sentencing.
“I am mindful I am sentencing you within a unique context,” the chief judge said.
“As I directed the jury who convicted you in this trial, you are not to be made a scapegoat for any failings or perceived failings of the Catholic Church.
“Nor are you being sentenced for any failure to prevent or report child sexual abuse by other clergy within the Catholic Church.
“You have not been charged with or convicted of any such failings.”
News.com.au report that Pell stood emotionless in the dock as the sentence was read out. He signed paperwork for the sex offender register and bowed to the judge before being led away.
At the same time, Chief Justice Kidd said Pell’s age is a key factor in his sentencing, and Pell has been “effectively reformed”.
Pell is 77 years old and Judge Kidd said his age was a significant factor in his sentencing.
“Of some real importance in my sentencing exercise is the fact that each year you spend in custody will represent a substantial portion of your remaining life expectancy,” he said.
Abuse survivors broke down in tears outside court watching the live sentencing reports ten News.
Abuse survivors are breaking down in tears watching the live sentencing of Cardinal George Pell on a screen outside court. Emotions are high. A reminder… support services are available. @10Daily @10NewsFirst #pellsentence pic.twitter.com/VTnZxeozKp
— Candice Wyatt (@CandiceWyatt10) March 12, 2019
Pell maintains his innocence and intends to challenge the conviction in the Court of Appeal, which will be heard in June.
He has already served two weeks behind bars.
