Woman who forced pensioner into modern slavery for four years is jailed

Now 74-year-old woman made to sleep on floor and carry out tasks in exchange for meals or shelter

Maria Miller, 65, was sentenced to three years in jail (Met Police)

A woman has been jailed for keeping a pensioner in slavery for more than four years.

Maria Miller, 65, made the now 74-year-old woman sleep on the floor and carry out tasks such as weeding the garden or clearing out animal shelters in exchange for meals or being allowed inside the house.

Miller, from Chingford, also took control of the victim’s bank account, became executor and sole trustee in her will and tried to persuade her to sell a property she owned.

She also denied the woman access to a mobile phone, money or her own pension.

The woman lost a “significant amount” of weight as Miller regularly refused to provide her with meals for days.

Miller was sentenced to three years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of two counts of holding another person in slavery or servitude and one count of theft.

The court heard Miller met the victim, who has learning difficulties, outside a pet shop and invited her to volunteer in her charity shop.

In 2012, she persuaded the elderly woman to move into her home address.

The victim was forced to sleep on the floor or in an outhouse, and was often left outside working until late at night.

On 14 June, 2016, she managed to run away from the address and report the abuse to police.

After an investigation Miller was arrested on 14 July, 2016, and charged on 16 November in the same year.

Detective Sergeant James Earle, who led the investigation, said: “Miller targeted one of society’s most vulnerable and the sentence received today reflects the gravity of her actions.

“This was a long and challenging investigation but we are pleased that Miller has now been brought to justice.

“We know that the victim will never forget the years she spent in constant fear but we hope that she has some closure now Miller is behind bars.

“Her bravery in coming forward to police and reliving some of the worst experiences of her life in court is testament to her strength of character and we hope this sends out a message that the Met will seek to bring the strongest charges for such shocking criminal conduct where appropriate.”