Cardinal George Pell sentenced to 6 years in prison in child sex abuse caseArticle title

[CatWoman]

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]

1. What is with this "otherwise blameless life" crap?

How are these judges able to ascertain this statement? No one lives an otherwise blameless life.

[Jedi Guy]

2. I'm guessing they're just referring to no prior criminal history.

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]

3. Those of great power

and position, should be held to a higher account.

[Jedi Guy]

4. No argument from me.

I'm just guessing as to why he got such a light sentence, that's all, not saying that I agree with it.

[UpInArms]

5. I guess Lizzie Borden led "an otherwise blameless life"

Until she took an ax to her mother and father

[Talitha]

6. He's 77 years old - with any luck he'll die in prison.

Damn all these 'holy' men... there's a special place in Hell for all of them.

[Aussie105]

7. Couple of questions . . .

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]

8. Kind of lets the air out of the Archdiocese demand to have Pete Davidson apologize

for his joke comparing R. Kelly fans to Catholics.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

9. Bubye

He deserves it.

[catrose]

10. Not at risk of reoffending? Really? Might want to consult the studies on such offenders.