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People Are Calling For Mandatory Minimums For Paedophiles After George Pell’s Sentence

People Are Calling For Mandatory Minimums For Paedophiles After George Pell’s Sentence

One petition is calling for a minimum sentence of 25 years behind bars for any sexual exploitation of a minor.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Cardinal George Pell has been sentenced to six years behind bars for sexually abusing two boys in the 1990s. He's the highest Catholic member to be convicted of child sexual abuse.

The news has come with mixed feelings because although the Catholic Church's former third highest official will go behind bars, people feel it's not enough.

The 77-year-old's maximum sentence is six years, however his minimum is just three years and eight months.

PA

People have flocked to social media to vent their outrage at the sentence length and called for mandatory minimums for paedophiles to be introduced in countries around the world.

One person wrote: "The #pellsentencing makes a clear case for mandatory minimums for Paedophiles. Three years is not a deterrence from taking the lives of kids."

Another added: "Six years for #GeorgePell is freaking atrocious and absolutely no justice for his victims, no matter how many years ago it occurred."

A petition has been started to encourage lawmakers in Britain to consider installing a minimum sentence of 25 years 'for any form of sexual exploitation of a minor.'

Ashley Grace uploaded the petition, saying: "Due to the continuing rise in the crime statistics in this country we feel a need for a realistic deterrent for any crimes that come under this category.

"We would also like this to be a first time sentence for the more serious crimes of this manner. National statistics and the continuing growth in grooming gangs are the key points of evidence in support of this petition."

If the petition gets 10,000 signatures it will get an official response from the British government, if it gets 100,000 it will be considered for debate in parliament.

While some people think Pell's sentencing was light, Chief Judge Kidd made sure the Cardinal knew the brevity of his crimes.

Chief Judge Kidd during the sentencing hearing.
PA

"The acts were sexually graphic. Both victims were visibly and audibly distressed during this offending," he told Pell.

"You were confident your victims would not complain. It is fanciful to suggest that you may not have fully appreciated this.

"There is an added layer of degradation and humiliation that each of your victims must have felt in knowing that their abuse had been witnessed by the other.

PA

"I would characterise these breaches and abuses as grave. You continued to offend with callous indifference to the victim's distress. Your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance.

"There is no evidence of your remorse or contrition for me to act upon to reduce your sentence."

He took into account Pell's ill health and clean record outside the sexual abuse for the sentencing length.

The Cardinal will be placed on the child sexual offender registry for the rest of his life.

Featured Image Credit: PA

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