Cardinal George Pell sentenced to 6 years in prison in child sex abuse caseArticle title
Source: CBS
Cardinal George Pell sentenced to 6 years in prison in child sex abuse case
Updated on: March 12, 2019 / 9:16 PM / CBS/AP
Cardinal George Pell, once a top adviser to Pope Francis, was sentenced Wednesday morning to six years in prison for sexually abusing two choirboys in the 1990s. Pell is the highest-ranking member of the Catholic Church to be found guilty of abuse.
Victoria state County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd took into account Pell's service, but called his actions "breathtakingly arrogant," Austalia's Network 10 reporter Emma O'Sullivan told CBSN. O'Sullivan reported that Pell was "poker-faced" during the sentencing.
Pell has maintained his innocence, and even filed papers for an appeal before the sentencing, O'Sullivan added.
In explaining his sentencing decision, the judge said Pell had led an "otherwise blameless life." Kidd said he believed given Pell's age and lack of any other criminal record, the cardinal posed no risk of re-offending. Pell faced a maximum sentence of 50 years, but he will be eligible for parole in no less than three years and eight months, O'Sullivan said.
The judge also took pains to note that he was sentencing Pell for the offenses on which the cardinal had been convicted and not for the sins of the Catholic Church.
"As I directed the jury who convicted you in this trail, you are not to be made a scapegoat for any failings or perceived failings of the Catholic Church," Kidd said.
But the judge also noted that Pell had abused his position of power and had shown no remorse for his crimes. Kidd described the assaults as egregious, degrading and humiliating to the victims.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cardinal-george-pell-sentenced-six-years-prison-child-sex-abuse-case-australia-2019-03-12/?fbclid=IwAR2vLZ-UNcHeGx5wrSvxJYErEWOovKQYQAtwhBl5et9VRLsCoiYph708rmw
backtoblue
(11,343 posts)How are these judges able to ascertain this statement? No one lives an otherwise blameless life.
Jedi Guy
(3,189 posts)One would think his lack of remorse would indicate a longer sentence, though. Given the nature of his crimes, I think the lack of a prior record shouldn't be a factor. One is supposed to have no criminal history, so I don't see why that should mean he gets a lighter sentence.
Since the judge was careful to say that Pell is not being sentenced for the crimes of the Catholic Church as a whole, I think the lighter sentence was a calculated move to avoid giving him and his attorneys exactly that talking point. If he'd gotten the maximum, I'm certain his attorneys would have made that argument.
safeinOhio
(32,676 posts)and position, should be held to a higher account.
Jedi Guy
(3,189 posts)I'm just guessing as to why he got such a light sentence, that's all, not saying that I agree with it.
UpInArms
(51,283 posts)Until she took an ax to her mother and father
Talitha
(6,587 posts)Damn all these 'holy' men... there's a special place in Hell for all of them.
Aussie105
(5,395 posts)1. Does this send a message to others to stop abusing, and stop hiding abusers?
Don't think so.
2. Those who flatly refuse to believe he was guilty. Have faith in the judicial system?
Don't think so.
3. 6 years, because he is otherwise without blame? Important White Man's discount, there!
4. 6 years - while the victims waited since the 1990's for some justice?
And why so long? Oh yes, denial, cover up, denial. more cover up. Decades of it!
No, I think the general response will be of Trump size magnitude . . . he didn't do it, and if he did, it isn't so bad. Carry on, nothing to see here.
And some may wonder why I'm against organised religion of any sort . . .
Joe Nation
(963 posts)for his joke comparing R. Kelly fans to Catholics.
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(107,972 posts)He deserves it.