A retrial would be a ‘devastating outcome’ for Pell’s victims

The lawyer representing the father of George Pell’s deceased victim says her client is feeling “really anxious” ahead of the appeal decision on Wednesday. Lisa Flynn told Sky News “the whole process has taken a toll on his mental health and he really hopes there is some closure”. George Pell will on Wednesday learn whether he has successfully appealed his conviction for sexually abusing two Melbourne choirboys in 1996. The 78-year-old was found guilty in December last year and sentenced to six years with a non-parole period of three years and eight months. There are three ways the decision could go on Wednesday; Pell's appeal will be overturned or quashed, upheld or a retrial will be ordered. Ms Flynn said “a retrial would be a really devastating outcome” as the process "has been an emotional roller coaster for our client".

from National | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/2TQ5jDD