Two modern slavery convictions in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire despite 190 reports

Figures revealed as part of a JPIMedia investigation show there have been just two prison sentences handed out for slavery or human trafficking, both for between four and five years.

Moreover, only 26 of 187 reported crimes to Cambridgeshire police have led to a charge (13.9) although this is triple the England and Wales average of 4.2 per cent, while only seven cases have reportedly been heard in the county’s courts.

There were 78 modern slavery victims in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2020 (around half of whom were children), on top of 82 in 2019.

These include victims from several Eastern European countries, the UK and one person from Brazil.

Cambridgeshire police said it had brought 13 charges in the past seven months following three separate investigations, but that the “hidden, complex and international nature of this crime type” makes the process a long one.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 was hailed as a landmark piece of legislation.

It consolidated existing trafficking and exploitation offences, bringing them under one umbrella with a tougher maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

However, analysis of government figures has revealed police forces in England and Wales have recorded almost 20,000 offences under the act since 2015 – almost nine every day - but just 4.4 per cent of those cases have resulted in a charge or summons against a suspect.

Charities and experts in the sector have told JPIMedia of “shameful gaps” in the system, with a lack of support for vulnerable victims meaning they are often too terrified or distrusting to work with the police, hampering efforts to pin down perpetrators.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “Tackling modern slavery is a priority for the constabulary. We’re working hard with our partners to identify and safeguard those who are victims or at risk of exploitation and bring perpetrators to justice wherever possible.

“Our work involves a number of elements including tackling sexual exploitation and working with partners such as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to combat labour exploitation. We also work to identify and visit addresses with partners where it is believed victims of exploitation may be living and utilise the Modern Slavery Act 2015 legislation against drug supply networks exploiting vulnerable people.

“Regular welfare visits are also frequently conducted in relation to sex workers to ensure exploitation is not taking place and that those involved are aware of issues concerning consent and how to contact the police.

“We always strive to achieve the best possible outcome for victims by working closely with partners including the Crown Prosecution Service and making use of all available legislation.

“In the past seven months, for example, we have secured 13 modern slavery charges under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 following three separate investigations thanks to the work of staff across the force and our designated Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Team.

“However, the hidden, complex and international nature of this crime type means investigations can often be lengthy and take time to translate into outcomes.

“We believe modern slavery continues to be an under reported crime so increasing intelligence in this area is key to protecting vulnerable people. If you’re concerned for someone’s welfare please report it. Something might seem relatively insignificant, but it may form part of a larger picture that will help us to safeguard vulnerable people.” For more information on modern slavery and what to look out for, visit www.cambs.police.uk/modernslavery.

Background

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 was hailed as a landmark piece of legislation.

It consolidated existing trafficking and exploitation offences, bringing them under one umbrella with a tougher maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Then security and immigration minister James Brokenshire – now Minister of State at the Home Office – said at the time the legislation would send “the strongest possible message to criminals that if you are involved in this disgusting trade in human beings you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up”.

Analysis of government figures reveal police forces in England and Wales have recorded almost 20,000 offences under the act since 2015 – almost nine every day.

But just 4.4 per cent of those cases have resulted in a charge or summons against a suspect.

By the first six months of 2020/21 the charge rate had plummeted to two per cent, and for the few cases that have made it to court since the legislation came into effect just one in five have resulted in a conviction with many of those convicted walking free from court with nothing more than a fine or community sentence.

The life sentence penalty has never been used.

Tamara Barnett, director of the Human Trafficking Foundation, said modern slavery cases were often “very, very difficult” to investigate and that a lack of wider support for victims means they are often distrustful of and unwilling to work with police.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dame Sara Thornton – a role created by the 2015 Act – said the current lack of risk to criminals “fails to counter the economic reward of trafficking in people, or prevent organised crime groups acting with impunity”.

She called on police to “take advantage of the full spectrum of evidential opportunities to reduce reliance” on victims’ testimony, adding prosecutions should be “victim focused but not victim reliant”.

Responding to the figures, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said it recognised charges and referrals to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had not kept pace with the increase in crimes.

Sheon Sturland, head of the NPCC modern slavery and organised immigration crime unit, added: “Police are identifying more victims of modern slavery than ever before, ensuring they get the support they need and exploitation is stopped.

“We continue to work with forces, partner agencies and charities to support victims of modern slavery and to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said the Home Office has allocated £2 million to support police with modern slavery work this year and had invested £11.3 million over the past three years into the Modern Slavery Transformation Programme to boost prosecutions.

The CPS says its own figures show a conviction rate of 74 per cent. These figures include any case ‘flagged’ as modern slavery – if a person is charged with modern slavery and another offence but only convicted of the latter it will still be recorded as a modern slavery conviction.

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

She added: “I am encouraged to see the number of modern slavery-flagged prosecutions increasing over the last year and an increase in the conviction rate.

“However, 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.”

It has also been revealed that the UK is failing in its legal duty to ensure victims of modern slavery and human trafficking can access compensation to help them rebuild their lives.

The Council of Europe – a human rights body separate to the EU of which the UK is a member – obligates the Government to ensure slavery and trafficking victims can access compensation both from exploiters and the state.

But a Freedom of Information request to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the Government-sponsored programme of redress for victims in England, Wales and Scotland, has revealed the vast majority of applications by slavery survivors are unsuccessful.

The body received at least 254 applications from people who said they were modern slavery survivors between 2015 and 2020, but only between 24 and 56 awards were made in that time.

When approached for comment, the Ministry of Justice did not address concerns about access to compensation.

A spokesperson said it was “committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and ensuring victims are provided with the support they need”.

The Modern Slavery Helpline can be called on 08000 121 700.