Cardinal George Pell has arrived at court for the first day of hearing that will decide if he stands trial on historical sexual offence charges.

Cardinal George Pell has arrived at court for the first day of a planned four-week hearing that will decide if he stands trial on historical sexual offence charges. The 76-year-old senior Catholic cleric had to move through a bustling media pack as police cleared a path for him as he arrived at Melbourne Magistrates Court (Mon). Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with historical sexual offences involving multiple complainants, which he denies. The committal hearing will initially be open to the public as the defence and prosecution finalise further administrative matters, but then moves behind closed doors as accusers begin their evidence.

Source: AAP