Prosecution offer no evidence following defence representations about modern slavery

Louise Willocx represented a vulnerable young adult who had been compelled to engage in supply of Class A drugs. Together with Somsul Hoque, the senior litigator in this case, she arranged that the National Referral Mechanism assessed him to see whether he was a victim of modern slavery. They also obtained expert evidence from a psychologist and a modern slavery expert, which highlighted his suggestibility, and how gangs would specifically pray on vulnerable young adults like him.

With these expert reports, and the conclusive grounds decision confirming that he was indeed a victim of modern slavery, Louise persuaded the Crown through representations that it was not in the public interest to prosecute him.

Louise was instructed by Somsul Hoque and Sunita Mehta from ABV Solicitors.