Cardinal George Pell faces court over historical sex offences

LATEST: CARDINAL George Pell has pledged to fight every charge in a sex crimes case that could run into 2019.

CARDINAL George Pell has pledged to fight every charge in a sex crimes case that could run into 2019.

Amid scenes of chaos, the 76-year-old fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for the first time on Wednesday since returning from the Vatican.

His lawyer, Robert Richter, QC, said: “For the avoidance of doubt, and because of the interest, might I indicate Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to all the charges and will maintain his presumed innocence that he has.”

The hearing made history. Cardinal Pell is the most senior Catholic official to face court on sex offence charges.

Cardinal Pell is surrounded by police and media as he leaves court. AAP Image/Joe Castro

Cardinal Pell was swamped by the crowd as he left court. Picture: Mark Stewart

It took Cardinal Pell nearly as long to walk back to his office as his hearing took. AAP Image/James Ross

Prosecutors told the court that the brief of evidence against the cardinal could be served next week.

But experts warn the case could run for two years, owing to the complexities of hearing historical sex charges and a potential application for separate trials on different allegations.

Details of the charges are yet to be revealed, and Wednesday’s minutes-long administrative hearing shed no further light on the allegations.

Despite that, international interest in the case was huge: media representatives flew in from across the globe.

The cardinal, who was not required to enter a plea, had been under no obligation to attend Wednesday’s hearing.

But he arrived at court shortly after 8.30am, and went through security checks.

Dozens of media from all over the world attended today’s hearing. AAP Image/James Ross

Cardinal George Pell is surrounded by police and media as he arrives back at his lawyer’s office. AAP Image/Joe Castro

Cardinal Pell is flanked by police as he arrives at court. Picture: Mark Stewart

Every vantage point was taken. AAP Image/Joe Castro

Cardinal George Pell arrives at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: David Caird

#Pell. The first supporter of clergy abuse victims has arrived at court holding this painting. pic.twitter.com/4N6mO1md7u

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) July 25, 2017

Police brief ahead of Cardinal #Pell arrival at court 100 media here already. Public and press spilled out onto busy William St. pic.twitter.com/Dmw7wHkWxw

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) July 25, 2017

Crowd grows for #Pell court appearance. pic.twitter.com/qQWZk6thJP

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) July 25, 2017

Related: Cardinal George Pell charged over sex offences

In the courtroom, Cardinal Pell simply stared straight ahead for about 15 minutes as he awaited the magistrate, other than for a brief conversation with his lawyers about why a video feed was being beamed to a nearby court.

Court authorities had decided to open the extra room and show the hearing live, owing to the numbers who had turned up to witness it.

Some had arrived at court as early as 4am to ensure they had a seat in the courtroom.

As a result of that interest, magistrate Duncan Reynolds read a prepared statement outlining the hearing’s purely administrative nature.

Senior prosecutor Andrew Tinney, SC, also read a statement, stressing the need for “fair and accurate reporting”.

Prosecutors have until September 8 to prepare a brief of evidence. But Mr Tinney said it was likely the brief would be served by next week.

A committal mention date has been set for October 6.

After the hearing, Cardinal Pell was mobbed during the 100m walk to his lawyer’s offices. A dozen police formed a shield to protect him, amid a barrage of shouted questions and abuse, and yells of support.

One lady held a sign that read, “Thank you for helping my family”.

At one point police had to stop traffic on Lonsdale St.

Cardinal Pell leaves through back entrance. Car speeds up alley away from waiting media. #Pell pic.twitter.com/Ejf65TYrpJ

— Andrea Hamblin (@AndieHamblin) July 26, 2017

Cardinal Pell leaves court after the brief hearing. AAP Image/Stefan Postles

Cardinal Pell is escorted by police as he walks up the stairs to his lawyer’s office. AAP Image/Stefan Postles

Police form a shield around the entrance to Cardinal Pell’s lawyers office after the hearing. AAP Image/Joe Castro

Police helped shepherd Cardinal Pell through the huge media scrum. AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Since the Herald Sun first revealed in February 2016 that Cardinal Pell was under investigation, he has persistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Last month, on being charged, he immediately took a leave of absence from his post as Vatican finance chief.

“I’m innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sex offences is abhorrent to me,” he said that day.

“News of these charges strengthens my resolve, and court proceedings now offer me an opportunity, to clear my name and then return to my work in Rome.

“I am looking forward ­finally to having my day in court,” he said.

#Pell court room has room for 37 onlookers. There are already that many people at court. And the rest. @CNN alone have a crew of 8.

— Shannon Deery (@s_deery) July 25, 2017

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