George Pell lawyers accused of ‘fishing’ for material
GEORGE Pell’s lawyers have been accused of “fishing” for material that has no legitimate purpose ahead of the Cardinal’s hearing on historical sexual allegations.
Law & Order
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GEORGE Pell’s lawyers have been accused of going on a “fishing expedition” as they sought to subpoena further material to defend his historical sexual allegations.
Lawyers for the Cardinal told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday they wanted more documents from legal and medical practitioners, including the medical records of alleged victims.
Robert Richter, QC, for Cardinal Pell, who was not required to attend court, also indicated they planned to ask to issue subpoenas on each of the complainants in the future.
Crown Prosecutor Mark Gibson SC said the defence’s application had no legitimate purpose and was purely “a fishing expedition”.
He added the evidence had no substantial probative value.
Mr Gibson said the complainants object to their communications in private therapy sessions being released.
“They wish to have their privacy maintained,” Mr Gibson said.
“The subpoenas shouldn’t be issued at this stage.”
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Cardinal Pell’s lawyers defended its applications, saying they were “responsible and considered” and related to the accused.
They were also seeking documents from Justice Health; and lawyers Ingrid Irwin and Vivian Waller; and law firm Madden Lawyers. It was not clear what exactly they wanted.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington will rule on what should be released on Wednesday next week.
It comes after ABC journalist Louise Milligan, who has written a book about Cardinal Pell, was made to hand over her research notes, transcripts and recordings to his lawyers, with the names of confidential sources redacted.
His lawyers also earlier successfully sought material from Victoria Police and Melbourne University Press.
The Cardinal has been charged with historical sexual offences but the specific charges he is facing, or the number of alleged offences, is not yet known.
He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
“I’m innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sex offences is abhorrent to me,” he said during a press conference after being charged in June last year.
“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.
He is expected to face a month-long preliminary hearing next month over the allegations.