Cardinal George Pell © Erik Anderson
News in Pell case: Australian Cardinal George Pell may appeal his sexual abuse conviction in early June, according to media reports. By then, however, he could face three months in prison.
This is reported by the "Sydney Morning Herald" (online edition Wednesday). The appeal hearing on 5. and 6. June in the highest court of the state of Victoria is expected to be presided over by three judges. Pell will be represented by Bret Walker, an expert on appeals, it added.
The cardinal was found guilty of sexual abuse by a jury in Australia in late February.
He must remain in custody until sentencing is announced next Wednesday. Pell was found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in the sacristy of Melbourne's Catholic Cathedral and molesting another while he was archbishop in 1996. Cardinal maintains his innocence.
Pell could face further trial
Meanwhile, Pell could face another trial. A 50-year-old man is planning a civil suit against him, according to Australian media. The new case involves allegations of sexual misconduct at a swimming pool in Pell's hometown of Ballarat in the 1970s.
Pell's lawyer, Robert Richter, meanwhile, denied reports that he would not be involved in the appeal process. While he will not represent Pell himself in the trial, he said, because he is "emotionally" too involved in the case and "angry" about the guilty verdict.
He had not, however, "resigned" his participation in Pell's defense team. "If necessary" he would be available for consultations.