Cumbria modern slavery trial set to go ahead in new year

A man will go on trial in the new year charged with trafficking and exploiting a vulnerable worker.

Peter Swailes senior, then aged 80, and his son, Peter Swailes junior, 55, appeared before Carlisle Crown Court in April 2021 charged with modern slavery and human trafficking offences.

However, at a crown court hearing on Tuesday September 21, it was confirmed that a death certificate had been received in respect of Swailes senior.

Swailes junior, is accused of the same offences under Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

The alleged victim was found and removed from a six-foot shed by investigators from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in October 2018 to receive specialist support.

Swailes junior, of Cryndlbeck Stables, Low Harker, Carlisle, is still due to stand trial in January 2022.