14 Oct 2020

Former Pitcairn Island mayor faces three charges of indecent behaviour

2:16 pm on 14 October 2020

The former mayor of Pitcairn Island has been charged with behaving in an indecent manner after being accused of walking around the island naked.

Coat of Arms inside the High Court in Rotorua

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Michael Warren faces three charges of behaving in an indecent manner in a public place, which is punishable by up to 100 days in jail.

Warren's lawyer, Tony Ellis, said the offences are alleged to have taken place once in January and twice in June.

He said he has very little information on the charges, but his client will plead not guilty, saying it was a freedom of expression issue.

Ellis said he has asked the prosecution to have the case heard by 16 November, because his client is currently in New Zealand for medical treatment.

Ellis said he has yet to receive a response.

Under British law, Pitcairn cases can be tried here.

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