THE trial of ten men accused of sexually exploiting a young girl for more than four years has begun.

Proceedings in the Operation Ribbon trial began at Oxford Crown Court on Monday afternoon.

The case continues today but no evidence will be heard as barristers discuss a number of legal points for the trial, which is expected to last between six and eight weeks.

A jury will be sworn in on Wednesday morning before the Crown opens its case against the defendants, who are mostly from High Wycombe.

The young girl who was allegedly abused by the men is also expected to give evidence tomorrow. She cannot be named for legal reasons.

The ten men deny the charges against them. They are:

Iblal Fiaz, 21, of St George’s Close – Four counts of rape of a child under 13, seven counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to rape, eight counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, two charges of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Khasim Fiaz, 22, of St George’s Close – two counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of rape, two counts of conspiracy to rape and one count of trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Ammar Rafiq, 19, from Kent Road in west London – four counts of rape.

Mohammed Adnan, 21, of Upper Green Street – two counts of rape.

Mudassar Hussain, 29, of Abbey Barn Road –three counts of rape.

Jubrion Khan, 21, of Rutland Avenue – one count of rape and two counts of conspiracy to rape.

Khasim Dadd, 23, of Gibbs Close – one count of rape and one count of conspiracy to rape.

Rameez Ali, 21, of West End Street – two counts of rape.

Janaid Sharif, 26, of Cambridge Crescent – two counts of rape.

Asif Hussain, 21, of Suffield Road – one count of rape.