VIDEO: Forced labour trial: Four men sentenced to total of 27 years in prison

Patrick Joseph Connors, 59, of Greenway Road, Rumney, Cardiff, his son Patrick Dean Connors, 39, of the same address; William Connors, 36, of Trowbridge Green, Cardiff; and Lee Christopher Carbis, 34, of Witla Court Road, Rumney were all on trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

A jury of 11 members today unanimously found Patrick Joseph Connors, his son Patrick Dean Connors and his nephew William Connors guilty of requiring another to perform forced labour from April 2010 to January 2013.

Patrick Joseph Connors, the head of the family, pictured below, has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in jail for eight counts of ABH, four counts of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to kidnap and the forced labour charge.

Patrick Dean Connors, below, was sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment for the charge of forced labour and one count of kidnapping.

William Connors was sentenced to four years imprisonment for the forced labour charge.

Lee Carbis was found not guilty of the forced charge but was found guilty of kidnapping Mr K by majority. He was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment.

The forced labour charge related to Michael Hughes, a 46-year-old man, originally from Scotland who came to Wales to find work when he was 18 years old.

He said he was treated like a “slave” for more than 20 years. The charges also relate to a second victim, Mr K, aged 41, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Judge Neil Bidder QC directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts against Patrick Dean Connors for a count of conspiracy to kidnap Mr Hughes and also a not guilty verdict against William Connors for a count of ABH against Mr Hughes.

During the trial, the jury have heard both victims who were vulnerable lived in ‘squalid’ conditions and say they were made to carry out manual labour work seven days a week up to 16 hours a day for Patrick J Connors' business and later the other defendants.

In a victim impact statement read to the court Mr Hughes said the defendants treated him like an 'object to use at their disposal."

He said: "They made me feel like I had nothing to live for. Every time I found some sort of happiness they made sure they crushed it."

He said he 'detests' the way they have treated him; the abuse and beating he suffered at their hands.

Mr K described Patrick Joseph Connors as an 'animal.' He said he felt 'extremely paranoid' and had constantly been looking over his shoulder out of fear at the prospect of repercussions or running into the Connors.

The court heard he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and has been receiving therapy for his condition.

He said he thought Paddy was largely responsible and that he wished he could make 'Paddy appreciate how he felt that if Paddy had any remorse he wouldn't have done the things he did.'

Chief Superintendent Paul Griffiths, below, who led the investigation, said:

“I welcome today’s verdict for the victims in this tragic case. This has been a lengthy investigation, commencing in 2013 and these convictions demonstrate that the police and authorities will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.

“These types of crimes have a lasting effect on the victims – it is not just the physical degradation, it’s psychological too. It causes deep and long-lasting trauma. We will always ensure that anyone coming forward has access to the support services needed to help them rebuild their lives.

“In circumstances like this, victims live in fear of the people controlling them. This is why the help of the public is paramount. People in the heart of our local communities are often the ones who can spot the signs of exploitation and help those who are unable to help themselves.

“I would urge anyone who may have concerns or information to contact us immediately, by calling 101.

“Finally, I would like to thank all the officers who have worked tirelessly on this investigation. It is both the courage of the victims and the drive and determination of officers from Operation Imperial, working with other partners, that has made today’s outcome possible.”

Comment from 26 year victim, Michael Hughes:

“I am over the moon at today’s verdict. Both myself and my family can now move on and I am so happy to have my life back – a life that I never knew existed.

“With the help and support of my family, I am now re-building my life.  I am getting out and about and meeting new people. I also have a job, which is helping me make new friendships.

“Those people stole my life but the outcome of today’s trial means that they will now face the justice that they deserve.

“I would like to thank my family for their support and the officers in Operation Imperial for all their hard work, which has made it possible for me to move forward and hopefully find some happiness.”

Victim Mr K said:  “I am very pleased with today's verdict. I would like to thank the Operation Imperial team for their determined investigation and for bringing this case to trial.

“For a long time I felt unable to make a complaint about how I was treated and it’s only been in the last few years that modern slavery has been recognised. This should not be happening.

"I am thankful that Gwent Police believed and supported me throughout this investigation and helped me to move on with my life.

“I intend to soldier on and I do not want people to feel sorry for me. I am taking one step at a time and things are a work in progress. I just want to get on with my life now, without having to look over my shoulder. 

“Even though I’ve managed to escape from them many years ago, I have never been totally free. It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, coming forward and I couldn’t have done that without the support of my family and the members of Gwent Police, who have been involved in this case.

“Now I can move on and close that chapter of my life, in small steps, day by day.”