An appeal by six Pitcairn men against their convictions on serious sex abuse charges in a case that drew international attention ended in New Zealand today, with judges expected to deliver a verdict in mid-May.

Pitcairn Island, the remote Pacific community of descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers, has seen its population nudge closer to 50 after the birth of just the second baby in over 18 years.

Seven men on trial for alleged sex attacks on tiny Pitcairn island – home to descendants of the Bounty mutineers – might have to wait until next year to learn if they will face jail, British officials said today.

The Supreme Court of tiny Pitcairn Island today rejected an application by seven men to have their trial on sex charges delayed until Britain’s Privy Council can consider their case.