ABC News
July 9, 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/09/2299355.htm?site=idx-nsw
[with video]
The priest at the centre of the sexual abuse case that has engulfed Sydney's Archbishop Cardinal George Pell has apologised to his victim.
The apology is contained in secret police recordings obtained by ABC's Lateline program.
Father Terence Goodall was recorded by police in 2003 talking to his victim, school teacher Anthony Jones.
Father Goodall admits that the abuse was not consensual.
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| Cardinal Pell met with Father Goodall, but did not afford the same opportunity to his victim. Photo by Paul Miller |
In one part of the conversation he says his action was "very very wrong" and he concedes that he was taking advantage of another man.
During the recording, Father Goodall apologises to Mr Jones for forcing himself on him.
Father Goodall is also quoted as saying: "I certainly didn't use the word consensual".
The transcript was available to the Church's lawyers more than three years ago, but Cardinal Pell says he was unaware of the transcripts.
"Those statements of Goodall of course put my decision on this particular matter in quite a different light," he said.
Cardinal Pell earlier revealed on the 7.30 Report that he gave an audience to Father Goodall, but did not afford the same opportunity to Mr Jones.
Mr Jones told Lateline he is offended by Cardinal Pell's earlier assertions that the assault was consensual.
"I felt isolated all over again," he said.
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