PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Priest Abuse Trial Blog
Ralph Cipriano
The judge in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia sex abuse trial left open the possibility Monday that prosecutors may be allowed to haul into court a former priest who, on the eve of trial, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and rape of a 10-year-old boy.
Edward V. Avery, a defrocked former archdiocese priest, is now serving a prison sentence of between 2 1/2 to 5 years. But his chief accuser, namely the former altar boy that he raped, is due in court on Wednesday. The question is whether defense attorneys in the case will be allowed to challenge the victim’s credibility on cross-examination.
Assistant District Attorney Patrick Blessington told Judge M. Teresa Sarmina that if she rules that defense lawyers can challenge the victim’s credibility, “We’re back to square one, with Avery on trial here.” That’s when the judge suggested that the prosecution had the option of seeking permission to haul Avery back in court.
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