Judge sets 2012 abuse trial date, competancy hearing for Bevilacqua

At a hearing today, Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina set two dates for former Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua and the Archdiocesan priests and teacher accused of sexual abuse: a Sept. 12 conference to discuss whether a competency hearing is warranted for Bevilacqua and a March 26 trial for the alleged clergy abuse.

Prosecutors want Bevilacqua to testify on videotape, but defense lawyers say the cardinal is too weak from cancer and dementia. If Bevilacqua is found competent, his testimony will be admissible in the trial, the Inquirer reports.Charged with abuse and cover-up are Rev. Charles Engelhardt, Rev. Edward Avery, Rev. James Brennan, Monsignor William Lynn and former parochial teacher Bernard Shero.Editor’s note: This headline has been clarified to more accurately reflect Bevilacqua’s role in the trial.