LONDON (ENGLAND)
The Guardian
February 9, 2018
Pell’s legal team denies their request for access to records of those who have accused the Cardinal of sexual offences is a “fishing expedition”
Cardinal Pell’s legal team argued the particular features of the case warrant access to the information, including that it involved a high-profile person. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP
Cardinal George Pell’s lawyers want access to the medical records of people who have accused him of sexual offences, denying it is “a fishing expedition”.
Prosecutors oppose the defence application for access to the complainants’ treatment information.
The crown Prosecutor Mark Gibson SC said there was no substantial probative value in the material being provided.
“It’s tantamount to a fishing expedition rather than having a legitimate forensic purpose,” Gibson told Melbourne magistrates court on Friday.
The defence application came three weeks before a hearing that will determine if Australia’s most senior Catholic stands trial on historical sexual offence charges.
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