Men on trial over string of slavery charges

● Men forced to live in piggery and work without pay

Two men have gone on trial accused of slavery and human trafficking crimes.

Robert Mcphee, 65, and John Miller, 38, face charges that they forced a number of men to live in “squalid conditions” while making them work for little or no money.

The pair appeared yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow along with James Mcphee, 45, and Steven Mcphee, 37. The indictment features 30 charges spanning a period between 1993 and 2016.

Three men are said to have been held in “slavery and servitude” at a piggery building in Shotts, South Lanarkshire. The four accused have denied all of the charges against them.

Two men have gone on trial accused of slavery crimes.

Robert Mcphee, 65, and John Miller, 38, are charged with forcing a number of men to live in “squalid conditions” while making them work for little or no money.

The allegations emerged as the pair, along with James Mcphee, 45, and Steven Mcphee, 37, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow.

The indictment features 30 charges spanning a period between 1993 and 2016.

Three men are said to have been held in “slavery and servitude” at a piggery building in Shotts, South Lanarkshire.

Robert Mcphee alone is firstly alleged to have held one against his will on various occasions between 2011 and 2014. The accusation includes claims the individual was made to stay in “squalid living conditions” under Mcphee’s control and that he was not allowed to leave.

It is further stated that he was forced to do work “for little or no pay” and threatened with violence if he did not do it.

Miller is then alleged to have joined Robert Mcphee in similar crimes against the two other men.

One of the individuals is said to have been held between 2011 and 2012, while the latter was allegedly forced into work in late 2016.

Among the accusations is one which has been made under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act. Other allegations in the indictment include assault and abduction.

One of the charges claims Robert Mcphee and James Mcphee detained a man against his will and attacked him on an occasion between 1999 and 2006.

It includes accusations that the individual was left in a shed for three days and that an eight-year-old boy was told to pour petrol over him. A naked flame is then said to have been brandished at him. Prosecutors also claim the man was fed dog food, made to beg for water and forced to kiss the feet of James Mcphee.

The charge – said to be racially aggravated – is alleged to have occurred at a number of locations including Bathgate, West Lothian. Steven Mcphee faces a number of assault charges. The four deny the charges. No evidence was heard yesterday.

The trial continues.