Former Prime Minister John Howard has submitted a character reference to the court for Cardinal George Pell, who has been convicted of child sex offences.
after Sunday mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne in 1996.
One of the testimonials is from Mr Howard, who became PM in 1996 — the same year Pell committed his crimes.One of 10 character references for George Pell came from former Prime Minister John Howard. Picture: Dylan RobinsonJohn Howard has expressed his support for George Pell in the past in the face of abuse allegations. Picture: Jeremy Piper“He relates to everyone from a prime minister to street beggars,” Mr Richter said of his client.
“There are no physical injuries. There is no ejaculation. There is no recording of the offences for later. No prior history. No breach of trust in the traditional sense. No pre planning. No use of any implement.” “I respect the fact that this case is under appeal, but it is the victims and their families I am thinking of today, and all those who have suffered from sexual abuse by those they should have been able to trust, but couldn’t,” he said.
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