During the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell in New York the prosecution introduced photographs never before seen publicly, showing the British socialite with Jeffrey Epstein. The images show the close relationship between Maxwell and Epstein, the late, disgraced sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, also in New York. Maxwell is charged in relation to procuring underage teen girls between 1994 and 2004 for Epstein, who sexually abused them.

Celebrities and politicians were among the regular high-profile passengers on Epstein’s plane. During Maxwell’s trial Larry Visoski, Epstein’s longtime pilot, said he remembered seeing two of Maxwell’s accusers on Epstein’s planes. Visoski said Prince Andrew and Donald Trump were also among the passengers on Epstein’s planes.

Maxwell, the daughter of the deceased British press baron Robert Maxwell, met Epstein about three decades ago and became, the court heard, the “No 2” in Epstein’s social and household hierarchy.

• Epstein is seen here embracing his then personal assistant Sarah Kellen, who later went by the name Sarah Kensington.

Kellen was among four named Epstein associates identified by US prosecutors as “potential co-conspirators” in a controversial plea deal Epstein struck in 2007, after admitting he solicited prostitution from a minor.

Maxwell and Epstein enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, and traveled together around the world. Prosecutors said Maxwell was “involved in every detail of Epstein’s life”.

The financier owned homes in New Mexico, Palm Beach, New York City, US Virgin Islands and Paris. Maxwell “preyed on vulnerable young girls, manipulated them and served them up to be sexually abused” by Epstein, prosecutors said. Maxwell denies all of the sex-trafficking charges against her.

Maxwell’s attorney has claimed Maxwell is being punished for Epstein’s misdeeds. “Ever since Eve was accused of tempting Adam for the apple, women have been blamed for the bad behavior of men,” Bobbi Sternheim told the court.

Maxwell’s trial continues in New York. It is expected to last six weeks.

• Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 802 9999. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html