Latest prosecution: GLA statement

24th July 2008

Harold Benson appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court on 11 July 2008, charged with an offence contrary to section 12 of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.

Section 12 creates an offence of acting as a gangmaster without the authority of a licence. He will next appear at the Magistrates court on 5 September 2008, when the case is due to be committed to the Crown Court.

Notes to editors

1. The GLA was set up to protect workers in agriculture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging. There are approximately 1,200 gangmasters licensed by the GLA.

2. It is illegal to operate without a licence, with the maximum penalty of ten years in prison and an unlimited fine.

3. This is the second prosecution brought by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority after Fiona Jane Clarke was found guilty of operating as a gangmaster without a licence in April 2008.

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