Abrupt end to Pitcairn hearing

The Privy Council hearing into the Pitcairn Island sex abuse convictions has come to an abrupt end.

The law lords in London say they have heard enough legal arguments and have reserved their decision. The hearing began this week, and had been set down to run for a fortnight.

Six men convicted of a variety of sex crimes are appealing their convictions. They argue that Pitcairn was never subject to British law as it was settled by renegade pirates, led by Fletcher Christian following the mutiny of the HMS Bounty.

The law lords have already dismissed the argument that Pitcairn has always been self-governing as "unrealistic".

Crown Prosecutor Simon Moore says he would not like to guess which way the judgment will go. He says from his perspective he was pretty pleased with the way the hearing went - but he admits it is impossible to know what is in the law lords' minds and it would be very foolish to make a guess as to what the outcome might be.

Mr Moore hopes to have a decision by October.

- NEWSTALK ZB