8 Oct 2008

Pitcairn women likely to get compensation

3:39 pm on 8 October 2008

Nine women who were sexually abused on Pitcairn Island are likely to receive compensation.

Trials were held on the island in 2004 and in New Zealand in 2006.

Eight Pitcairn men were convicted of raping and sexually assaulting young girls. A ninth man pleaded guilty.

Details about how much the women will get and who else might be eligible is not yet known.

Pitcairn Island deputy governor Ginny Silva says the British minister responsible for overseas territories will announce the compensation package to the House of Commons on Thursday.

Bruce Corkill, QC, who represented nine women involved, has been campaigning for a ruling on compensation for the victims since last year.