Success in Two More Key Modern Slavery Cases

We’re proud to share two recent successes where our expert human trafficking and modern slavery assessments played a critical role in challenging the criminalisation of exploited children.

In the first case, we supported the defence of a 17-year-old looked-after child facing trial for possession of a 10-inch “Rambo-style” knife. This young person has a long-standing history of trauma, ADHD, and suspected child criminal exploitation. He has been referred multiple times to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and has been conclusively recognised as a victim
of modern slavery due to his exploitation in county lines drug trafficking.

Despite his victim status, the Crown Prosecution Service initially argued there was no link between his exploitation and the knife offence. However, our report provided vital context, highlighting the systemic trauma and exploitation that shaped his actions. A Section 45 defence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was pursued, which protects victims of trafficking who commit offences as a direct consequence of their exploitation.

In the second case, we assessed a 14-year-old boy charged in connection with the theft of motorcycles. Commissioned by his defence team, our report found clear indicators of child criminal exploitation: a stark power imbalance, coercion by older males, and conduct patterns consistent with organised exploitation. We concluded that he was a victim of modern slavery. Following our report, all charges against him were dropped.

In both cases, the Crown ultimately decided to drop all charges, and the cases were discontinued, recognising the compelling evidence of exploitation presented in our assessments.

These outcomes underline the importance of recognising vulnerability and exploitation in the criminal justice system. Children caught in these cycles need safeguarding, not prosecution.

If you’re representing a client who you think may be a victim of modern slavery, human trafficking, or exploitation, we’re available to provide independent assessments to support your case.

Contact us: alice@specialist-policing.co.uk