Convicted paedophile George Pell is now facing a lawsuit from a man who accuses the cardinal of sexually abusing him as a child.
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The lawsuit comes nearly a week after it was revealed that Pell was found guilty on separate charges of child sex abuse against two Melbourne choirboys.
The Herald Sun reports the man will today file proceedings at the supreme court in Melbourne, alleging he was abused during Pell’s time as a church figure in Ballarat.
The man, who wishes not to be identified, attended St Joseph’s Boys Home from early 1974 to 1978. He alleges Pell molested him in a swimming pool during that time.
Pell was set to face criminal proceedings on those charges in April, but the case was dropped when Judge Peter Kidd found a key piece of evidence inadmissible, and prosecutors found the claimant would face difficulty proving Pell’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Speaking about the abandoned trial, the accuser, now 50, said “when I was told they had withdrawn the case I felt empty, and that an injustice had occurred.”
In addition to Pell, the man is also suing the trustees of Nazareth House (formerly St Joseph’s), the State of Victoria, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
The man’s lawyer Lee Flanagan told The Herald Sun the lawsuit could feature evidence from three other individuals who allege Pell abused them in a similar manner.
Pell will face sentencing on the criminal charges on March 13. He has launched an appeal against the conviction.
If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
