Main suspect takes stand in French paedophilia trial

One of the lead suspects in a massive French paedophilia trial was taking the stand today.

The man is among 66 people on trial and is thought to have been a main organiser of a ring where children were allegedly prostituted, raped and abused in the western French town of Angers.

The man has been charged with raping minors, sexually abusing minors, prostituting children and failing to report crimes.

Like all suspects at the trial, he cannot be identified by name because of French laws designed to protect the identity of child victims.

The trial began in March.

Investigators say 45 children between the ages of six months and 14 years were abused by their parents or acquaintances from 1999 to 2002, at times in exchange for small amounts of money, food, alcohol or cigarettes.