2 Oct 2004

Third defendant due in court on Pitcairn

7:36 am on 2 October 2004

A complainant in the Pitcairn Sex abuse trials has told the court that abuse and rape was the normal way of life on the island.

This morning the Crown will present the opening in the third of the trials of seven men, who face a total of 55 sex abuse charges.

The defendant is 78 year old Len Brown, who faces two charges of rape which dates back to 1969.

Yesterday a complainant giving evidence in the trials of the first two defendants described Pitcairn Island as sheer hell.

The Defence has accused the complainants of lying, suggesting the offences did not take place.

The men have pleaded not guilty and the case continues.