George Pell witness dropped as evidence could lead to more charges

A witness due to give evidence in George Pell’s committal hearing is dropped because his evidence could lead to further charges.

George Pell arrives at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today. Picture: AAP.

A witness due to give evidence in the committal hearing of George Pell has been dropped because his evidence could lead police to lay further charges against the cardinal.

Cardinal Pell is currently facing the hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on a number of historical sexual offences.

His barrister Robert Richter QC today told the court that he had last night received a second statement made by a man who was due to testify next week.

“We had no forewarning of this at all,” Mr Richter said, describing the development as “more than troubling.”

Mr Richter said the defence needed to time to conduct investigations on matters contained within the second statement, as it raised the possibility that further charges could be laid against the cardinal.

“We do not know at this stage whether charges are to be laid or not,” he said.

Prosecutor Mark Gibson SC said he would be content to restrict the man’s testimony to his first statement, with questions only relating to his assertion that Cardinal Pell was a “regular visitor” to a particular place, but he would not object to dropping the witness if further investigations were needed.

Mr Gibson said the man’s testimony could form part of another proceeding if necessary.

The man will now not be called to give his evidence at the committal.

Cardinal Pell is charged with historical sexual offences relating to multiple complainants, with the committal hearing to determine whether he will stand trial.

The hearing continues.