US couple on trial for abusing adopted Russian kids

A Wisconsin judge has commenced the trial of a married US couple who are charged with abusing their adopted children, including those they had adopted from Russia.

The judge ruled that the prosecutors had gathered sufficient evidence to prove the guilt of Kathleen and Martin O’Brien, who are accused of abusing their adopted children.

It has been alleged, among other things, that on one occasion Mr O'Brien and his own son held down one of the adopted children while Kathleen was hitting the latter in the groin and then sprayed pepper gas into the boy’s face.

If the couple is found guilty, they could face up to 60 years behind bars and a fine of 100,000 dollars.