Justice & Care welcomes the sentencing of four defendants at Manchester Crown Court today.

The defendants have received a combined sentence of 38 years and 6 months for offences relating to Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act including rape, actual bodily harm (ABH), keeping a brothel and perverting the course of justice. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy investigation and criminal justice process involving four defendants and three victims who endured significant exploitation and abuse. 

The Greater Manchester Police investigation into an organised criminal group uncovered the sexual exploitation of three women who were deceived and subjected to abuse and control. 

One woman was groomed overseas under the false promise of starting a new relationship before being brought to the UK and forced into prostitution. She was subjected to violence and coercive control, and her finances were taken from her. 

A second woman travelled to the UK intending to work but was instead deceived, sexually assaulted and forced to surrender all her earnings. 

Throughout the investigation, Justice & Care’s Victim Navigator worked alongside police to provide specialised support for the victims from the earliest stages of the investigation. By building trust and providing practical and emotional support, the Navigator helped victims understand the criminal justice process, access safeguarding measures, and make informed decisions about their engagement with police and partner agencies.  

Julie Currie, UK Counter Trafficking Operations Manager at Justice & Care, said: 

“Behind every modern slavery prosecution are victims who have experienced significant trauma and exploitation. This case demonstrates the importance of providing victims with consistent, specialist support from the outset. By building trust, offering practical assistance and standing alongside victims throughout the criminal justice process, our Victim Navigator helped ensure that three victims were able to access support, remain engaged with the investigation and have their voices heard. Today’s sentencing represents not only accountability for the offenders but an important step towards recovery and rebuilding for the victims.” 

The Navigator helped one of the victims to recognise her experience as modern slavery and continued to support her when she initially withdrew her support for the prosecution and provided a retraction statement. Through consistent, trauma-informed engagement, the Navigator helped her re-engage with the criminal justice process, providing guidance through trial preparation and emotional support at each stage. This resulted in her providing further evidence that strengthened the prosecution ahead of the trial. 

Following the three-week trial, four defendants were found guilty of 15 offences, including offences under Sections 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, rape, actual bodily harm (ABH), keeping a brothel and perverting the course of justice. 

Beyond supporting the prosecution, the Victim Navigator helped police identify additional potential victims, develop safeguarding plans and pursue further investigative opportunities linked to organised sexual exploitation.