Why was Cardinal Pell quashed?

In allowing the appeal, the High Court unanimously held that assuming the jury had assessed the evidence of the complainant as thoroughly reliable and credible, the evidence of other witnesses still required the jury to have entertained a reasonable doubt as to Cardinal Pell’s guilt of the offences alleged against him.

Why was Cardinal Pell overturned?

Tuesday’s High Court ruling overturns his conviction on one count of sexual penetration of a child and four counts of committing an indecent act with a child. The cardinal’s name will also be removed from Australia’s register of child sex offenders.

Was Pell found innocent?

The jury decision In 2018, a jury unanimously found Pell guilty “beyond reasonable doubt” of five child sexual offences. This standard of proof is high, but does not require absolute proof. The jury believed the complainant and rejected Pell’s defence.

Why did the High Court release George Pell?

To convict Pell, the jury had to believe without doubt that the complainant was reliable and honest. They did, but the high court on Tuesday found belief in the complainant as a compelling witness was not enough to convict. Pell’s legal team was led by the prominent Sydney silk Bret Walker SC.

What was Pell accused of?

Pell was convicted in December 2018 of five counts of sexually abusing two boys in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the 1990s. Additional charges relating to allegations of sexual misconduct in Ballarat were dropped.

Why did Pell get acquitted?

Cardinal Pell pleaded not guilty. One of the alleged victims had died and had not given a version of events. The complainant gave evidence which the Jury accepted. There was other evidence which the Jury was required to consider.

How did Pell get out of jail?

“He is furious the man he believes is responsible for sexually abusing his son was convicted by a unanimous jury only to have that decision overturned today allowing George Pell to walk free from jail.

What did the High Court say about George Pell?

Australia’s highest court on Tuesday acquitted former Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell of child sex-abuse charges, overturning a conviction that has bitterly divided Australian society and Roman Catholics around the world.

Where is Cardinal Pell now?

Pell, who was convicted and then acquitted of sex abuse charges in his native Australia, is in Utah promoting his latest book. | Nov. 18, 2021, 6:03 a.m.

What happened in the Cardinal Pell case?

Pell was found guilty of child sexual abuse charges in December 2018. Although that verdict was ultimately overturned by the high court in April last year, at the time it could not be reported on because the high-ranking Catholic official faced a second trial over a different set of allegations.