Modern slavery case: no charges

Police recognize disruption to farming, but say investigation necessary

The police's national modern slavery unit, based in Exmouth and headed by Devon and Cornwall chief constable Shaun Sawyer, has announced that after discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service, won't be pressing charges against a South West flower farm.

Police raided the farm near Helston in February. It believed migrant workers picking flowers were being treated as slaves.

Now they say criminal action won't go ahead, but they can't say whether civil offences have taken place. 

Police says they know their operation has caused disruption to the farming community, however "it is important to recognize that police had to ensure that the response to serious allegation of modern slavery were followed up and responded to with the gravity this under-reported crime deserved. Modern slavery is real, it is serious and it destroys lives."

About 160 migrant workers were picking flowers on the farm when the police swooped earlier in the year. Some of them objected, saying they were being well treated. 

The national modern slavery helpline is 0800 0121 700. There is also a modern slavery website to help spot the signs if people may be being mistreated.