French 'paedophile network' on trial

Ten men have gone on trial in Paris accused of involvement in the largest paedophile ring ever uncovered in France.

The suspects - 10 French and one German - are accused of raping and sexually abusing dozens of children in the 1990s, in France's first trial of its kind.

An 11th suspect, 59-year-old Andre Esteve, is on the run.

Prosecutors say the men lured children with offers of seaside trips and other excursions.

Poor families 'targeted'

Michel Albenque, 49, said to be the group's leader, is accused of gaining the trust of parents by posing as a teacher or care worker with special responsibility for vulnerable youngsters.

He allegedly singled out low-income and unemployed families in the poor district of Chelles, offering them gifts and money.

He also promised pocket money to the children themselves.

Police say they believe at least 20 children fell prey to the ring.

Eight-year-olds

The first complaint was received in 1996, and officers have worked since then to establish how many other victims there are.

Some of their alleged victims were only eight years old. Others were adolescents, prosecutors will tell the court.

The men face up to 20 years in jail if convicted. They include a translator, gardener, salesman and dog handler.

The trial, at the Seine-et-Marne assizes court in the Paris suburb of Melun, is expected to last more than two weeks.

Mr Albenque has previous convictions for paedophile activities.

He has admitted a number of the current offences, although he insists that no force was used.

Most of the defendants have also admitted the offences, but deny the existence of a paedophile ring.