THE trial of a charity worker accused of raping orphans has started in Albania before he has even been extradited, according to his lawyer.

The move has been blasted as illegal by lawyer Steve Law, who is representing Blackburn man Dino Christodoulou.

Former social therapy nurse Christodoulou, 44, is currently being held in Brixton prison following his arrest in Blackburn in September.

He was due to have an extradition hearing this Friday, after being accused of raping and sexually abusing six victims aged between six and 13 at the His Children' refuge in Tirana, Albania.

But that hearing has now been adjourned to allow the British court to clarify the situation and it may subsequently decide not to extradite him if it feels he won't get a fair trial.

Robin Arnold, 55, was arrested in Cromer, Norfolk, and faces similar charges. A third man, David Brown, 56, was arrested in Albania on suspicion of involvement in the alleged sex abuse.

Brown, an evangelical Christian, lived in Edinburgh for more than 10 years before opening the orphanage around six years ago.

His trial has now started in Albania. But Christodoulou's British lawyer has learnt that legal representation has already been selected for his client in Brown's trial, meaning that his own case is also now being heard by judges.

Mr Law said: "I have had contact from the constitutional court in Albania saying that as the trial of Mr Brown is going ahead the judge is effectively trying Mr Christodoulou, Mr Arnold and Mr Brown.

"A trial can proceed if the court does not know where the defendant is, for example if he has run away, but it is quite obvious where Mr Christodoulou is. To go ahead any way is an abuse of process and is against European law."

Christodoulou sold off his possessions and went to Albania in 2002.

Friends say the born-again Christian, returned to Blackburn three years ago. Supporters, including senior church figures, have rallied around him and set up the Justice for Dino' campaign.

Mr Law said"I don't expect people to have any sympathy because of the nature of the allegations but the case needs to be given fair scrutiny."