George Pell set to face two trials over historical assault allegations

AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald

By Adam Cooper

2 May 2018

George Pell is likely to face two trials and two juries, with his sexual assault charges set to be heard separately, but a date for his first trial is yet to be set.

Less than 24 hours after being committed to stand trial on half the historic sexual assault charges he faced, Cardinal Pell on Wednesday returned to court, but this time to appear before a County Court judge instead of a magistrate.

The 76-year-old moved slowly both as he arrived and left, despite the buzz of media around him, surrounded by police officers during his walks to and from a waiting car.

In court, he sat still and quietly during the short administrative hearing.

At one point after the hearing, outside the building, he turned his head towards a reporter who asked a question, but didn’t say a word.

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