'British' slave holders sentenced

Luton - On Wednesday, three men and a woman were convicted of holding men as slaves, here in England. Yesterday, Thursday, July 12, they were sentenced.

On Wednesday, four people were convicted at Luton Crown Court of holding men in servitude; yesterday, Thursday, two of them were sentenced. James John Connors and his wife Josie Connors were gaoled for 11 years and 4 years respectively. In addition to that, according to Bedfordshire Police, two other family members, Tommy Connors Senior aged 52 (the head of the gang) and Patrick aged 20 were convicted as follows: Tommy Connors Senior of one count of conspiracy to hold a person in servitude, one count of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and one count of assault. Patrick Connors of one count of conspiracy to hold a person in servitude, one count of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and one count of assault.

Bedfordshire Police

Josie Connors, a modern day slaver.

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The jury could not agree on charges against other family members, and there will be a retrial in April next year of Tommy Connors Senior, Patrick Connors, Tommy Connors and James Connors. The inability of the jury to reach verdicts on these charges is regrettable but understandable. All the victims were vulnerable men, some had criminal records and undoubtedly mental health issues, though it remains to be seen who wouldn't after being subjected to what they suffered. This would though have allowed skillful (or duplicitous) defence barristers to cast doubt on their testimony.