16 Dec 2004

Pitcairn Islanders elect new Mayor and Council

11:14 am on 16 December 2004

The election on Pitcairn Island has resulted in a council stacked with those who support the seven men recently put on trial for sex abuse.

Islanders have elected a mayor to replace Steve Christian who was sacked after being found guilty of rape.

He is Jay Warren, the one defendent to be acquitted in the trials.

He is an experienced leader of the council but is seen by some to be the puppet of Steve Christian.

Five other councillors, including the head of the influential internal committee, have also been elected.

All are related to the men who stood trial.

Our Pitcairn reporter says it's a clear message that Pitcairn Islanders are having trouble accepting the convictions for rape and indecent assault.