Man lodges lawsuit against Cardinal George Pell over alleged 1970s molestation

A man alleging he was sexually abused in the 1970s by disgraced cardinal George Pell has filed a lawsuit against him and others in Victoria's Supreme Court.

Cardinal George Pell arrives in court ahead of his conviction for molestation of two choirboys. He's now facing a civil case over another matter.

Cardinal George Pell arrives in court ahead of his conviction for molestation of two choirboys. He's now facing a civil case over another matter. Source: AP

A man who says he was molested by George Pell as a boy in the 1970s has in Victoria's Supreme Court.

The 50-year-old alleges he was a victim of physical and sexual abuse while in care at Ballarat's St Joseph's Boys Home between February 1974 and 1978.
Cardinal George Pell arrives at County Court in Melbourne, Wednesday, February 27, 2019.
Cardinal George Pell arrives at County Court in Melbourne, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Source: AAP
The civil suit names Pell, the trustees of the Sisters of Nazareth (formerly St Joseph's), the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and State of Victoria.
He was originally a complainant in a second County Court trial against Pell, dropped by prosecutors over a lack of evidence last year.

"It took a lot of courage and soul searching to be prepared to tell my story, accusing one of the most senior Catholics in the world of serious criminal offences and eventually I was resigned to having my day in court," the man said, adding that not being able to had left him feeling empty.
The suit names names Pell, the trustees of the Sisters of Nazareth (formerly St  Joseph's), the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and State of Victoria.
The suit names names Pell, the trustees of the Sisters of Nazareth (formerly St Joseph's), the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and State of Victoria. Source: AP
In a statement of claim, he alleged Pell sexually abused him three or four times in a swimming pool at the home.

Pell was found guilty in December of sexually abusing two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996.
He continues to deny all allegations of abuse and the
Pell was found guilty in December of sexually abusing two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996.
Pell was found guilty in December of sexually abusing two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996. Source: Supplied
The man also alleges physical abuse by others at the home and is suing for medical expenses and loss of earning capacity.


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Published 7 March 2019 4:09pm
Updated 7 March 2019 4:12pm


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