Cardinal George Pell has spent his first night in prison and even his barrister concedes there may be many more to come.
The 77-year-old was remanded in custody on Wednesday ahead of sentencing for .
Pell was taken to the Melbourne Assessment Prison in West Melbourne, a maximum security facility which can hold about 250 prisoners.
The outside of the prison. Source: Getty
It's held the likes of Bourke Street killer James Gargasoulas and the murderer of Eurydice Dixon, Jaymes Todd.
"He will need to be protected from others ... He has been portrayed in the media and everywhere else as the incarnation of evil in the Catholic Church," his lawyer, Robert Richter QC said, according to the Australian.
For this reason, Pell would likely have been branded an "at-risk prisoner" and if so, will likely be isolated 23 hours a day.
Cardinal George Pell remains in high esteem by many powerful bishops. Source: AAP
Prison arrival
According to the Corrections Victoria website, arrivals at any Victorian prison take part in "reception, assessment and orientation".
This includes been given prison-issue clothing, having their "identity confirmed and [being] measured" and "undergo[ing] a strip-search by prison officers".
Melbourne's Assessment Prison. Source: Google Maps
Pell would then be given information to help him "adjust to the prison environment" such as prison rules and disciplinary processes.
The property allowance at Melbourne Assessment Prison is also detailed on the Corrections Victoria website.
Pell is allowed access to six books, six magazines and six photographs. In addition to his prison-issue clothing, he can have four tops, two singlets, one cap and two pairs of reading glasses.
And meals will likely be very different to what Pell is used to.
"Prison meals are prepared by prisoners trained in culinary skills prior to or during their prison stay," Corrections Victoria says.
Next steps
Pell won't apply for bail or pursue his appeal until after the sentence is handed down on March 13.
On Wednesday, Mr Richter conceded imprisonment is inevitable, while senior crown prosecutor Mark Gibson SC went a step further to indicate the time behind bars is likely to be "significant".
A prison van leaves the court after Pell's trial. Source: AAP
Each of the five charges he was convicted of by a jury in December carries a 10-year maximum sentence.
Mr Richter argued in Wednesday's pre-sentence hearing that Pell's offending was at the low end of the scale and had no aggravating features.
"This is no more than a plain, vanilla sexual penetration case where a child is not volunteering or actively participating," Mr Richter said.
"It must be clear by now I am struggling with that," Judge Kidd replied, hitting back.
He labelled Pell's behaviour as callous and brazen.
Cardinal George Pell in Rome. The church has been urged to act on the disgraced cleric as soon as possible. Source: AAP
A reference from former Australian prime minister John Howard was one of 10 put forward by the defence, along with two medical reports.
While Judge Kidd regarded Pell as being unlikely to re-offend, Mr Gibson pushed back over the cardinal's lack of explanation for his behaviour.
"The prisoner has shown no remorse or insight into his offending," he said.
George Pell leaves court. Source: AAP
Pell will also be registered as a serious sex offender.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said on Thursday police were not investigating any other cases involving Australia's highest ranked Catholic.
"No, not involving George Pell. No I don't believe we are doing any other investigations there," Mr Ashton told 3AW radio.
Those seeking information or support relating to child sexual assault can contact on 1800 272 831 or on 1300 657 380. is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
Additional reporting: AAP
