Choirboy welcomes sentence, says Pell's appeal still hangs over him
The man who as a young choirboy was sexually abused by George Pell in Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral says he finds it hard to take any comfort from the cardinal's six-year jail sentence.
As the former archbishop was driven away from court in handcuffs, the victim, referred to in Chief Judge Peter Kidd's sentencing remarks as "J", said Pell's appeal against his conviction, due to be heard in June, is hanging over his head.
"Everything is overshadowed by the forthcoming appeal," J said on Wednesday.
And the father of Pell's other victim, who died in 2014 and was dubbed "R" in Judge Kidd's remarks, said the sentence – six years with a non-parole period of three years and eight months – was "inadequate".
Speaking outside the County Court on Wednesday, Shine Lawyers' Lisa Flynn said R's father was "disappointed with the short sentencing and has expressed sadness over what he believes is an inadequate [punishment]".
"He watched his son's life disintegrate after the abuse," Ms Flynn said.
"He does feel that in this case at least there was a conviction, there is a jail sentence. But he would have preferred it to have been a longer sentence given what his son and his family have been through.
"Today has been a historic moment, as we've witnessed one of the world's most senior Catholic leaders convicted and now sent to jail for child sex abuse offences.
"George Pell is a paedophile. He has been convicted and now sentenced to jail for these crimes, which does provide some sense of justice for his victims and their families.
"Today has to be the start of the end of abuse within the Catholic Church. This sentence may empower and hopefully will empower more survivors and victims to come forward."
In a statement read out by his solicitor Vivian Waller, J said: "It is hard for me to allow myself to feel the gravity of this moment.
"It is hard for me, for the time being, to take comfort in this outcome.
"I appreciate that the court has acknowledged what was inflicted upon me as a child. However, there is no rest for me. Everything is overshadowed by the forthcoming appeal.
"I am aware of a lot of public comment by people who are critical of my evidence. But only the judge, the jury, Pell and the legal teams have heard my evidence.
"Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, a few facts will always remain. I gave evidence for several days. I was cross-examined by Pell's defence counsel.
"A jury has unanimously accepted the truth of my evidence.
"I am waiting for the outcome of the appeal like everybody else.
R never told his parents of the abuse that occurred when he was a 13-year-old choirboy. They only found out after he died of a heroin overdose in 2014, aged 31.
R's father is pursuing civil action against Pell or the Catholic Church over his death.
He believes his son began using heroin when he was 14 to block memories of his abuse.
"Our client is pursuing a civil claim knowing that civil action has the power to disrupt an institution and impact meaningful change to prevent more tragedies from occurring," Ms Flynn said.
"The criminal justice system has only partially satisfied our client's pursuit for justice today.
"I admire the courage of my client to keep fighting on behalf of his deceased son. To him, this battle is not over."
Speaking outside court after the sentencing, Robert Richter, QC, Pell’s defence lawyer, said the cardinal would face his time in custody "like the man that he is".
With AAP
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or beyondblue 1300 224 636, or the Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817.