'We trusted someone we should have feared': George Pell's victim speaks

EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction. It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

The man who was found to have been sexually assaulted by George Pell in 1996 and 1997 has issued a statement.

The father of the second victim, who died of a heroin overdose in 2014, has also issued a statement saying his son suffered extreme depression and PTSD.

This is the statement from a man who was found to have been sexually assaulted by George Pell in 1996 and 1997:

Thank you for your interest in this case.

Like many survivors I have experienced shame, loneliness, depression and struggle. Like many survivors it has taken me years to understand the impact upon my life.

The man had been a choirboy at St Patrick's Cathedral.Credit: Pat Scala

At some point we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationships that we should trust.

I would like to thank my family near and far for their support of me, and of each other.

I am a witness in a case brought by the state of Victoria. I have put my trust in the police and criminal justice system.

The process has been stressful and it is not over yet.

I need space and time to cope with the ongoing criminal process.

I understand this is a big news story but please don't reveal my identity.

I ask that the media respect my privacy. I don't want to give any interviews. Please don't come to my home. I want to protect my young family and my parents. I don't want them swept into the spotlight.

I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse. There are many other survivors and advocates who bravely fill this role.

I am just a regular guy working to support and protect my family as best I can.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

This is the statement released on behalf of the father of the deceased victim:

Lisa Flynn of Shine Lawyers is acting on behalf of the father of the other choirboy, who passed away due to an accidental drug overdose in 2014.

"Shine Lawyers’ represent a client whose son suffered such extreme depression that he [took] drugs to numb his severe PTSD as a result of his pain," Ms Flynn says.

"This conviction is a reminder to survivors of abuse to feel empowered to tell their stories. Justice has prevailed and the nation is finally listening and addressing your pain."