AUSTRALIA
The Australian
May 17, 2017
TESSA AKERMAN
ReporterMelbourne
@TessaAkerman
JOHN FERGUSON
Victorian EditorMelbourne
@fergusonjw
The decision on whether to charge George Pell with historical sexual-abuse allegations now rests with Victoria Police after the Office of Public Prosecutions yesterday returned the brief of evidence.
A police spokesman confirmed advice from Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions John Champion SC concerning the investigation of Cardinal Pell had been received.
The OPP advised police that, based on its assessment of the evidence, they could charge the cardinal, Melbourne’s Herald Sun reported last night. Despite the green light, the advice made it clear that ultimately it was up to the police whether to act. “Detectives from Taskforce Sano will now take time to consider that advice,” police spokesman Charlie Morton said last night. “As with any investigation, it will be a decision for Victoria Police as to whether charges are laid.”
Cardinal Pell has strenuously denied all allegations.
It is understood the latest development took lawyers for the cardinal by surprise.
Cardinal Pell, Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic, had been sent to the OPP.
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