EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction. It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

The man who as a young choirboy was sexually abused by George Pell in Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral says he finds it hard to take any comfort from the cardinal's six-year jail sentence.

As the former archbishop was driven away from court in handcuffs, the victim, referred to in Chief Judge Peter Kidd's sentencing remarks as "J", said Pell's appeal against his conviction, due to be heard in June, is hanging over his head.

Exclusive photo. Handcuffed in the back of a prison van, Cardinal George Pell leaves the County Court after being jailed for six years on child sexual abuse charges. Credit:Jason South

"Everything is overshadowed by the forthcoming appeal," J said on Wednesday.