Here's a portion of the transcript that explains why Archbishop Hepworth objected to having Michael Abbott as the independent QC investigating his case.
The Catholic Church commissioned prominent QC Michael Abbott to investigate the case, and he has cleared Monsignor Dempsey after a three-month process. Archbishop Hepworth had refused to take part, despite repeated attempts by the QC's solicitors to contact him.
JOHN HEPWORTH: We've engaged over the years in a fairly hostile way, and therefore I felt a great difficulty in trusting Mr Abbott with such an intimate thing in my life.
MICHAEL ABBOTT, LAWYER: I mean, I thought the only reason that was given that I'd cross-examined him in a case I'd forgotten about and thought he had, that was nothing to do with this matter. I thought the fact that he used that as an excuse was quite odd.
MATTHEW SMITH: Archbishop Hepworth said a non-Adelaide person should have led the investigation, and totally rejects Mr Abbott's findings. The Catholic Church says it has previously encouraged him to go to the police and welcomes his decision.
What I don't know is this: did Michael Abbott, QC, reject all of Hepworth's claims? i.e. the ones against the two deceased priests Pickering and Stockdale and the abuse that began when he was a 15-year old seminarian in Adelaide?
Or only the claims against the monsignor in the Adelaide diocese who is still alive and vigorously denies having any sex with Archbishop Hepworth, consensual or otherwise.
Has this inquiry rejected the decision of the other independent inquiry by the QC in Melbourne, who found in Hepworth's favor?
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