NSW: Pell begins leave as church probes sex allegations
Dr GEORGE PELL today took leave as the Sydney Archbishop's deputy took over his joband the Catholic Church finalises terms of an inquiry into allegations he molested a boy.
The church hierarchy and politicians have supported Dr PELL'S decision to step asidefor the term of the investigation.
The probe is about sexual abuse claims which date back 40 years to when he was a trainee priest.
Former Victorian Supreme Court judge ALEC SOUTHWELL, QC, is expected to begin takingevidence within days.
The middle-aged complainant, who was 12 at the time of the alleged offence, has declinedto report the matter to police.
Dr PELL, who denies tha accusation, says he won't return until the inquiry is completed.
Meanwhile Auxiliary Bishop DAVID CREMIN has taken over the day-to-day running of theSydney Archdiocese while Dr PELL is on leave.
AAP RTV gmw/arb/wz
KEYWORD: PELL (SYDNEY)
No comments:
Post a Comment