Six men found guilty of a series of sex attacks over a 40 year period, from the Pacific island of Pitcairn, today had their appeal rejected.

The tiny island only has a population of 47 and has been under British juristiction since 1838. Which makes the men’s defence argument that they were not aware they were subject to UK law even more ridiculous.

The men, including the island’s mayor Steve Christian, are indeed arguing that their convictions should be overturned because they did not know raping underage girls was illegal.

However, they remain free until the Privy Court in the UK can hear their appeal. The defence will argue again that Pitcairn has never been under British control and therefore our legal system does not apply.

Posted by Jess McCabe on 24 May 2005, at 10:27 AM