No convictions for modern slavery offences in Hampshire, investigation reveals

In the Hampshire Constabulary area there have been no convictions under the 2015 Modern Slavery Act, which convict criminals who traffic and exploit vulnerable people both into and within the UK.

Analysis of Ministry of Justice figures, as part of an investigation by The News and its sister papers into modern slavery has revealed just one in five cases that make it to courts in England and Wales – already a fraction of the crimes recorded by police – result in conviction.

Of 395 reports of the crime, only five have led to charge since 2015.

When approached for comment, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said it should be taken into account that ‘in many circumstances perpetrators can be best prosecuted under different offences which can skew the figures’.

However, the office for the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner said modern slavery charges were ‘preferable’, not least because of a range of protections slavery legislation opens up for victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘Whilst it remains a priority to identify and tackle offenders, tackling modern slavery isn’t just based on charges and getting those accused of exploitation to court.

‘More often than not those involved in organising forced labour or exploitation are involved in other crime. Many subjects are charged with other offences that we can prove and take through to court in order to disrupt their modern slavery activity.

‘When criminal charges are not a route we can pursue, we work with partners to identify those who may be organising forced labour at car washes and fast food settings and highlight other areas of their business that require intervention, like environmental health or the Health and Safety Executive.’

SEE ALSO: Hampshire police only laid five charges for modern slavery crimes in six years under new legislation

The 2015 Modern Slavery Act consolidated and simplified existing exploitation and trafficking offences under one umbrella offence, increasing the maximum penalty to life imprisonment.

Lynette Woodrow, the CPS modern slavery lead, said prosecutors were receiving enhanced training to help them build stronger cases.

She added: ‘We know there is still more to be done and I encourage police to refer cases to us at an earlier stage in their investigations so we can provide our help.

‘The CPS will continue to work tirelessly with the police and other partners to increase successful prosecutions and achieve justice for victims.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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