Man found in shed with no heating leads to human trafficking charges

Two men have appeared before magistrates

Two men have been charged with conspiring to commit human trafficking offences after a man was found living in a shed in Cumbria.

On Thursday, Peter Swailes, 80, of Hadrian’s Park, Brampton Old Road, Carlisle, and Peter Swailes, 55, of Cryndlbeck Stables, Low Harker, Carlisle, appeared before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, a spokesman for the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) said.

Both were charged with conspiracy to organise the travel of an individual with a view to exploiting them contrary to Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Swailes and Swailes appeared before magistrates and were bailed to return to Carlisle Crown Court on 6 April for a plea and direction hearing.

Specialist officers rescued the modern slavery victim in 2018. The man, who was 58-years-old at the time, was believed to have lived in a six-foot shed on a residential site in Carlisle for four decades. 

The victim was found in a dawn raid by the GLAA. The charges come after a three-year-long investigation by the GLAA, supported by Cumbria Police and the National Crime Agency.

Inside the shed was a single chair, a soiled duvet and a metered television. There was no heating. 

In a statement at the time, the GLAA said: “Modern slavery exists in a whole range of forms across the UK. If you suspect someone is being exploited or abused, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.”

Additional reporting by PA Media