New challenge in Pitcairn case

MORE CHALLENGES TO BRITISH AUTHORITY IN PITCAIRN TRIAL


The British Government was to face another legal challenge today over its decision to use New Zealand lawyers to put Pitcairn Islanders on trial for sex charges.


One of the former islanders, who faces three charges of rape, is to challenge the British Government's decision to appoint New Zealand judges and lawyers to the Pitcairn Supreme Court sitting in a south Auckland court room.


Shawn Brent Christian, who had been extradited from Australia to New Zealand, is part of a new legal challenge which claimed the Pitcairn Island governor was acting outside his powers by appointing New Zealand judges to sit on the bench and New Zealand prosecution and defence lawyers.


The hearing will be heard in the Pitcairn Supreme Court sitting in a court room at Papakura, south Auckland.


"They are saying it should have been English judges and English lawyers doing the trial," said Fletcher Pilditch, one of the New Zealand lawyers appointed to the prosecution team.


He said the challenge was mounted by Shawn Christian but was likely to be supported by several others on the island also awaiting trial on sex charges.


Shawn Christian, 29, had been living in Australia since 1998 and faced three charges of rape. He agreed to be extradited to New Zealand by the British Government earlier this year.


He was one of 13 men charged in regard to sex attacks on Pitcairn Island, dating back 40 years. His alleged offences happened between 1994 and 1996.


Shawn Christian's father and former mayor, Steve Christian, and his brother Randy were jailed for sex offences in October last year, while four others were given sentences ranging from prison to community service.


Those convicted were also expected to seek variations of their bail conditions today. They are waiting for an appeal on their convictions to be heard.


The Pitcairn Magistrate's Court has been sitting in New Zealand under a special Act of the New Zealand Government but is considered to be a British court.


- NZPA