Decision on Cardinal George Pell Abuse Charges "Imminent', Police Chief Says

By Beau Donelly
Sydney Morning Herald
May 25, 2017

http://www.smh.com.au/national/decision-on-cardinal-george-pell-abuse-charges-imminent-police-chief-says-20170525-gwd31c.html

Sex crimes detectives are poised to make a decision about whether or not charges will be laid against Cardinal George Pell.

Victoria's police chief on Thursday said a decision about charging the senior Catholic figure was "not too far off".

Cardinal George Pell Photo: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

"The decision is imminent on that," Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told Melbourne radio station 3AW.

The SANO taskforce is reviewing advice received last week from the Director of Public Prosecutions about the historic child sexual assault allegations against Cardinal Pell.

Police and the DPP would not comment on the advice, but it is understood the brief suggests that there is sufficient evidence to charge Cardinal Pell.

Mr Ashton said the DPP advice was being reviewed by the lead detective and officer in charge of SANO, which investigates allegations arising from a Victorian parliamentary inquiry and the royal commission into institutional child sexual abuse.

Cardinal Pell, Australia's highest ranking Catholic, was a priest in Ballarat before becoming Archbishop of Melbourne.

He is accused of sexually abusing a number of boys. He has repeatedly and emphatically denied all allegations.

The 75-year-old was voluntarily interviewed by three members of Victoria Police in Rome last year.

He has said he would continue to co-operate with the police investigation.