Cardinal George Pell appears in the court and pleads not guilty to historic sex charges in Melbourne magistrates

Daily Mail
July 25, 2017

https://goo.gl/YaNLTZ

Cardinal George Pell arrived at the Melbourne Magistrates Court just after 9am on Wednesday to be charged with historical sexual offences (pictured)

The 76-year-old didn't answer questions from the crowd of reporters outside and stared down at the ground for the majority of his walk

A cameraman can be seen perching on a nearby ledge to get a photo of the 76-year-old

Journalists were seen queuing at the court around 3.30am (pictured)

A protester holds up a sign outside the court on Wednesday (pictured)

A large collection of media are seen outside the court just prior to Cardinal Pell's arrival

Cardinal George Pell will plead not guilty to multiple, historical abuse charges brought against him by Victoria Police.

As the highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with sexual abuse, his appearance has attracted intense media attention from Australian and international news organisations.

The third most senior Vatican official sat quietly through the brief first hearing on the charges, which lasted six minutes, in a Melbourne court.

A packed court room heard his lawyer Robert Richter QC tell the filing hearing that Pell denies the accusations.

'Cardinal Pell pleads not guilty to all the charges and will maintain his presumed innocence that he has,' Mr Richter told the court on Wednesday. 

Magistrate Duncan Reynolds has set October 6 as the date for the next mention of the matter.

Pell did not speak throughout the hearing or when he arrived or left the court, shepherded by police officers through a crush of camera operators, reporters and photographers.

Several photographers were knocked over as they climbed the steps into the court building.

Supporters of the cardinal and abuse survivors also attended the hearing. Several people clapped as he arrived.

Protesters yelled at him and held up signs while others shouted messages of support. 

After the court appearance, Pell returned to his lawyers' offices. 

The 76-year-old has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to return to Australia to fight historical sexual offence charges involving multiple complainants.

The filing hearing marks the first stage of what will be a lengthy legal process.

As Pell was charged on summons, he could have asked for the magistrate's permission to be excused from appearing in person and have his lawyer represent him.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has repeatedly denied the allegations and maintained he is innocent.

Victoria Police announced they were charging him on June 29.

As Cardinal Pell was charged on summons, he could have asked for the magistrate's permission to be excused from appearing in person and have his lawyer represent him.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest has repeatedly denied the allegations and maintained he is innocent.

Cardinal Pell has said he is looking forward to finally having his day in court after a two-year investigation.

'News of these charges strengthens my resolve and court proceedings now offer me an opportunity to clear my name and then return to my work in Rome,' he said after being charged on June 29.