‘Slave trial’ family must pay victims
AFAMILY jailed for using two men like “slaves” have been ordered to pay them thousands of pounds in compensation.
Patrick Joseph Connors, his son Patrick Dean Connors and nephew William Connors were sent to prison in May 2016 after being convicted of forced labour charges. Their case was listed before Judge Neil Bidder QC at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday for a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
All three were previously convicted of making Michael Hughes perform forced labour between April 2010 and January 2013.
The court heard during their trial Patrick Joseph Connors, known as Paddy, ran a business that carried out paving, tarmacking and roof repairs.
Jurors were told Mr Hughes was beaten “all the time” if he did not do as he was told and was made to live in appalling conditions.
The victim was diagnosed with brittle bone disease osteoporosis after years of malnutrition.
A second man, whose identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons, was kidnapped four times after his attempts to escape failed.
Patrick Joseph Connors, 61, from Rumney, Cardiff, was jailed for 14 years following the trial.
He was found guilty of requiring another person to perform forced or compulsory labour.
The defendant was also convicted of eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, four counts of kidnap and one of conspiracy to kidnap.
Judge Bidder said he was not able to make a confiscation order in his case, but ordered him to pay £7,500 in compensation to each victim and £16,500 towards prosecution costs.
Patrick Dean Connors, 41, from Rumney, is currently serving his jail term of six and a half years. He was convicted of kidnap and requiring another person to perform forced or compulsory labour.
A confiscation order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act for £4,412.64 to be paid in compensation to Mr Hughes. He must also pay £2,500 in compensation to his other victim and £16,500 towards prosecution costs.
William Connors, 38, from Rumney, was jailed for four years after being convicted of the forced labour charge. Judge Bidder made a confiscation order for £4,412.64 and ordered it to be paid in compensation to Mr Hughes.
There will be a further hearing to determine how much he must pay towards the cost of the trial.