Pitcairn six to learn if convictions stand

Six Pitcairn Island men will learn today if their convictions and sentences on sex abuse charges will stick.

The Pitcairn Supreme Court sitting in Auckland will hand down its decision in a session seen by the defendants via video link from the remote Pacific island, which has a population of less than 50 people.

In a trial that attracted international attention, the men were convicted last year of rapes and indecent assaults against mostly under-aged girls on the island over a 30-year period.

Former mayor Steve Christian, his son Randy and Terry Young were given jail terms of up to six years and the three others were sentenced to home detention or community service.

Their convictions and sentences were not formally entered until the court heard an application by the defence for a permanent stay of proceedings, leaving the men free on bail.

Last month defence lawyers argued the men had no means of knowing that British law applied to the island.

- AAP