Up to 50 Witnesses Could Be Called for Cardinal George Pell's Committal Hearing

By Adam Cooper and Tom Cowie
Sydney Morning Herald
October 6, 2017

http://www.smh.com.au/national/cardinal-george-pell-due-back-in-court-on-historical-sex-offence-charges-20171005-gyvds0.html

Up witnesses could be called and a "voluminous" amount of evidence discussed when Cardinal George Pell, Australia's highest-ranking Catholic official, faces a committal hearing next year on charges of historical sex abuse.

Cardinal Pell, 76, who has vigorously denied all allegations of sexual abuse, returned to Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday for a 20-minute administrative hearing.

The court was told 50 witnesses could be called at a four-week committal hearing – which will determine whether he stands trial – which is due to start on March 5.

Some witnesses will be former choirboys and are to be cross-examined over what allegedly happened in St Patrick's Cathedral.

In legal discussion, the cardinal's high-profile defence barrister Robert Richter, QC, said the prosecution case comprised "an awful lot of witnesses", and said the amount of evidence was "voluminous".

Cardinal Pell was charged in June with historical sexual offences involving multiple complainants. Details of the charges are yet to be revealed.