Disgraced cardinal George Pell believes there were more than a dozen solid obstacles that should have prevented his conviction for sexually abusing two teenage boys in the 1990s.
The convicted sex offender and Catholic priest has returned to court in Melbourne where his legal team will seek his acquittal on five charges over the abuse of the 13-year-old choirboys at St Patrick's Cathedral in 1996.
Pell is serving at least three years and eight months behind bars after being convicted by a jury in December of raping and sexually abusing one boy and molesting another in the priest's sacristy. He denies doing so.
The disgraced former cardinal will learn his fate next Wednesday. Source: AAP
The 77-year-old was sentenced to a maximum of six years in prison in March.
He is only appealing against the conviction, not his sentence.
A decision on the appeal could be weeks or months away.
He arrived in court on Wednesday morning dressed in a black shirt and jacket and wearing his clerical collar once again. He wore an open shirt at his sentence, his first court appearance after being taken into custody.
People at the court and inside the courtroom report he was walking slowly and gingerly. He was also reportedly taking notes as the hearing was underway.
Inside the hearing (L-R): President of the Court of Appeal Justice Chris Maxwell, Supreme Court of Victoria, Justice Anne Ferguson, Justice Mark Weinberg. Source: Supreme Court of Victoria
Specialist appeals barrister Bret Walker SC is leading Pell's legal team, taking over from trial barrister Robert Richter QC.
They are arguing the evidence presented by the prosecution at trial should have cleared Pell of wrongdoing.
In written submissions, Pell's defence claims more than 20 prosecution witnesses who had an official role in a Sunday mass gave evidence the offences did not or could not have occurred then, as accepted by the jury.
Support groups have warned the appeal could be traumatic for people who have experienced abuse.
"With this appeal, there is a significant risk that many survivors will be triggered as a result, and thrown back into their own trauma, strong emotions and reactions," Blue Knot Foundation president Cathy Kezelman said.
Those seeking information or support relating to child sexual assault can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
