​If there is a criminal trial, s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 can provide a defence in relation to certain offences, and may be successfully argued in order to conclude criminal matters.

 

Due to the nature of certain crimes, there are obligations placed on the public authorities to protect victims of modern slavery.

 

Where authorities have fallen short or failed in their positive obligations for to protect you as a victim of modern slavery, we can assist you in obtaining compensation against the state under both domestic and international law.

 

At MTC Solicitors, it is our view that it is crucial that people who have been victims are able to consider seeking a legal remedy through the civil courts or tribunals and as such we are able to provide advice regarding a client’s options for seeking compensation through these routes. 

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Notable Cases

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• R v Z M – Case Discontinued Following Modern Slavery Representations Our client, Z M, was arrested in 2022 and faced serious criminal allegations. From the outset, our client consistently raised the defence of having been a victim of modern slavery. 

Our legal team acted swiftly and thoroughly, engaging in detailed and persistent representations to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). We instructed leading experts in modern slavery, alongside multiple psychological professionals, to assess and report on our client’s circumstances and mental state. These comprehensive reports supported our client’s account and highlighted the clear indicators of exploitation and coercion. 

After nearly three years of ongoing legal argument and evidence gathering, in 2025 the CPS finally agreed to discontinue all charges, recognising the strength of the defence and the compelling evidence of modern slavery. The case was resolved without the matter proceeding to trial.

• R v GK – Not Guilty Verdict for Exploited and Vulnerable Woman

In the case of R v GK, our client – a highly vulnerable woman – was accused of serious

drug-related offences. From the beginning, it was clear that she had been the victim of

sustained exploitation by a dangerous Jamaican Yardie gang. She was subjected to

extreme physical and sexual violence, coerced into criminal activity, and left deeply

traumatised.

Despite receiving a positive conclusive grounds decision under the National Referral

Mechanism (NRM) confirming her status as a victim of modern slavery, and despite

expert psychological assessments and reports from leading gang specialists, the Crown

Prosecution Service (CPS) refused to discontinue the prosecution.

The case proceeded to trial and was listed for 10 days. During the proceedings, the jury

heard harrowing evidence directly from our client detailing the extent of the abuse and

exploitation she suffered. Her testimony was courageous and powerful.

After careful deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty – a

complete vindication of our client and her account.

This case highlights the failures that can occur in recognising victims of exploitation

within the criminal justice system and underscores the importance of trauma-informed

legal defence. We are proud to have stood beside GK throughout this ordeal and to have

played a role in securing her freedom and justice.

• R v TR – Not Guilty Verdict for Exploited young man Forced to Hold Drugs and

Weapons

In R v TR, our client was a young man who found himself caught in the grip of a violent

gang. Targeted and bullied due to a family debt owed by his brother, he was coerced

into holding drugs and firearms under threats of violence. This was a clear case of

exploitation.

From an early stage, we identified that TR was a victim, not a criminal. Through

determined representation, we secured a positive conclusive grounds decision from

the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), confirming his status as a victim of modern

slavery. We also obtained detailed psychological assessments and expert reports on

gang exploitation, all of which strongly supported our client’s position.

Despite this overwhelming evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS refused to

discontinue the case and insisted on proceeding to trial.

TR, understandably terrified of the repercussions of giving evidence, was reluctant to

speak out. However, through sensitive support and careful preparation, defence counsel

was able to give him the confidence to give evidence—knowing how vital his voice was

to the case.

After a lengthy deliberation, the jury returned the correct and just verdict: not guilty.

• R v IB – Case Discontinued for Exploited Woman Forced into Criminal Activity

In R v IB, our client was a deeply vulnerable woman who had been exploited for over a

decade due to her drug dependency and chaotic life circumstances. During that time,

she was coerced into committing a range of criminal offences by individuals who took

advantage of her vulnerability and addiction.

The most recent charge involved bringing drugs into prison—for someone she did not

even know, but had been forced to assist under threat and manipulation.

Our legal team recognised that this was not a case of deliberate wrongdoing, but of long-

term exploitation. We secured a positive conclusive grounds decision under the

National Referral Mechanism (NRM), confirming her status as a victim of modern

slavery. Over the course of two years, we submitted extensive legal representations to

the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), supported by expert evidence and psychological

assessments.

In 2025, following persistent advocacy and presentation of the full context of her

exploitation, the CPS finally agreed to discontinue all proceedings against our client.

This outcome marks a turning point for IB, allowing her the opportunity to move forward

with her life and access the support she needs. It also highlights the importance of

trauma-informed legal defence and a justice system that recognises exploitation for what

it truly is.

• Justice for Groomed Teenager Exploited by County Lines Gang – Case Discontinued Our client, a young and vulnerable man, was the victim of brutal exploitation at the hands of a violent gang. Groomed from an early age, he was manipulated with free cannabis, which was later used to create a fake “debt”—a common tactic used by gangs to trap young people into criminal activity.As punishment for trying to escape their control, he was tortured and even set on fire.

The gang continued to exploit him, forcing him to work on dangerous county lines drug

runs outside of London. Despite his mother repeatedly reporting him missing to the

authorities, the exploitation continued.

Our legal team immediately recognised this as a clear case of modern slavery. We

secured a positive conclusive grounds decision from the National Referral

Mechanism (NRM), and instructed leading experts on gang exploitation, alongside

comprehensive psychological assessments.

Following extensive legal representations to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS),

the weight of evidence became undeniable. The CPS ultimately agreed to discontinue

all charges, acknowledging that this young man was not a criminal, but a victim of

serious and sustained exploitation.

This case highlights the urgent need for better protection of vulnerable young people

trapped in the county lines system. We are proud to have helped secure justice and a

future for this young man.