Catholic priest denies making up evidence 'to save' Cardinal George Pell

The Guardian
December 15, 2015

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/dec/16/catholic-priest-denies-making-up-evidence-to-save-cardinal-george-pell

John Walshe, who shared a house with then Melbourne bishop George Pell, said Pell appeared shocked and crestfallen after the February 1993 call. Photo by Mal Fairclough

A Catholic priest has denied making up key parts of his evidence to the child abuse royal commission to “save” his friend Cardinal George Pell.

Melbourne priest Father John Walshe said he spoke to Pell after Pell’s contentious 1993 telephone conversation with abuse victim David Ridsdale, who alleges he was asked by Pell what it would take to keep him quiet.

Walshe previously gave evidence to the commission that Pell appeared concerned for David Ridsdale after the phone call.

Walshe has been accused of having no memory of key information, after counsel assisting the commission Angus Stewart SC dissected discrepancies between his initial recollection, what he told Pell’s lawyers and his final evidence.

Stewart said: “Father, I put to you that you fabricated these aspects of your statement to save your good friend Cardinal Pell, isn’t that right?”

Walshe replied: “I absolutely deny that”.

Stewart: “You fabricated these parts of your statement to assist your good friend George Pell, isn’t that right?”

Walshe said no.

Ridsdale, a victim and nephew of paedophile priest Gerald Francis Ridsdale, has accused Pell of trying to bribe him by saying: “I want to know what it will take to keep you quiet”.

Walshe, who shared a house with the then Melbourne bishop, said Pell appeared shocked and crestfallen after the February 1993 call and said something like: “Ridsdale’s played up, even played up with his nephew”.

Stewart suggested Walshe could not actually recall Pell taking the call nor his face, and it was not true that the cardinal spoke to him immediately afterwards.

But Walshe maintained his evidence was correct.

Stewart said: “What you do remember about Cardinal Pell having had a telephone call with David Ridsdale is from what Cardinal Pell told you and not about any memory of an actual observation that remains with you 23 years later?”

Walshe replied: “That’s incorrect”.

Walshe made a statement to the commission a fortnight ago after a request from Pell’s legal team, who had to provide copies of their email exchanges with Walshe after a summons from the commission.

The commission heard Walshe did not recall the exact date of the phone call until he read Ridsdale’s statement and asked the solicitor to confirm with Pell that he was in Mentone then, and not on holiday.

He initially thought the call was in the evening rather than the morning and said he was not sure but believed he was in the house with Pell at the time.

Stewart suggested Walshe’s memory of events was vague at best.

Walshe said it was not completely clear, but key points were clear.

“I did take time to think and reflect and, sincerely having reflected, what I signed in my statement is what I believe.”

Pell, the Vatican’s financial manager, has repeatedly denied Ridsdale’s allegation.

On Wednesday the commission heard the Vatican had now removed convicted paedophile Paul David Ryan, 67, from the priesthood, nine years after he was jailed and the diocese of Ballarat asked he be dismissed.