Pitcairn sex offender dies

A convicted rapist from remote Pitcairn Island has died of a suspected heart attack.

Terry Young, 53, died today while being transported for treatment after he developed intense stomach pains on Saturday morning, Radio New Zealand reported.

A passing yacht, Xplore, which responded to calls for help had been taking Young to Mangareva, 498km from Pitcairn, which had the closest airstrip.

Young had heart problems and suspected acute appendicitis, the Pitcairn Island Study Centre said.

Young was one of the six residents living on Pitcairn convicted in 2004 of sex offences.

He was found guilty of one rape and six indecent assaults and sentenced to fives years imprisonment to be served on the island.

He had been recently paroled.

- NZPA