CROWS NEST (NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA)
SBS News
April 7, 2020
By Jarni Blakkarly
Groups representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the father of the deceased choirboy at the centre of Cardinal George Pell’s trial have expressed disbelief and frustration at the High Court’s ruling.
National Practice Leader at Shine Lawyers Lisa Flynn, who represented the father of the deceased choirboy said her client was “gutted” by the outcome.
“Our client is currently in shock. He is struggling to comprehend the decision by the High Court of Australia. He says he no longer has faith in our country’s criminal justice system,” Ms Flynn said.
A full bench of the High Court of Australia unanimously decided to quash the conviction of Cardinal George Pell on Tuesday, meaning he will walk free from prison.
The 78-year-old cardinal was serving a six-year prison sentence after being found guilty for abusing two choir boys at St Patrick’s Cathedral in the 1990s when he was Archbishop of Melbourne.
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