The witness who was key to George Pell‘s conviction – and his only surviving victim – has issued a statement following the sentencing of the disgraced Catholic cardinal.
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The statement was issued via Dr Vivian Waller, the principal solicitor at Waller Legal, who specified that while her client understood that “the criminal process has not run its course” and that an appeal is to be heard in June, they would still make a statement on today’s events.
Waller read the statement aloud for the press outside the court. The following is the statement in full:
It is hard for me to allow myself to feel the gravity of this moment. The moment when the sentence is handed down. The moment when justice is done. 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.
Pell chose not to give evidence. The jury did not hear from him. He did not allow himself to be cross-examined.
I have played my part as best I can. I took the difficult step of reporting to police about a high-profile person and I stood up to give my evidence. I am waiting for the outcome of the appeal like everybody else.
Being a witness in a criminal case has not been easy. I’m doing my best to hold myself and my family together. I would like to thank the media for respecting my wish to keep my identity private and to keep my loved ones out of the spotlight.
Dr Waller said her client would not be making any further comment at this present time. She thanked the media for their interest in the case, and reminded everyone that publishing information which would identify her client would be an offence.
Pell’s appeal is set for June.
