Our client appeared at Leeds Crown Court charged with an offence of producing cannabis.  He was a foreign national who had been arrested at premises being used to grow cannabis on a commercial scale.

He was represented in interview with police by Ed Youlton who advised him to raise a defence of modern slavery on the grounds that he had been exploited.

The case was listed for trial and our client was represented by our in-house specialist Crown Court advocate Philip Mahoney.  Our defence expert’s report was served on the Crown who accepted that the evidence in favour of our client’s defence was compelling and they offered no evidence.  A not guilty verdict was recorded and our client was acquitted.

If you have been coerced or exploited by others you may have a defence to a criminal prosecution under the Modern Slavery Act so it is vital that you consult a lawyer with the relevant experience who can take the necessary steps to protect you.