A MAN suspected of threatening and exploiting vulnerable workers at a meat processing factory in the south west has had tough conditions placed on him by a Somerset court.

Catalin Victor Gergely worked unofficially on behalf of four agents, preying on a number of victims – including several living in homes of multiple occupation (HMOs) in Bridgwater.

Following work by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Sedgemoor District Council, a case against Gergely was heard on Friday (February 11) at North Somerset Magistrates Court in Weston-super-Mare.

Gergely, who is no longer in the UK, has been given a five-year court order as part of a wider campaign against modern slavery and human trafficking.

The case against Gergely was brought against him by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) after he was suspected of “exploiting vulnerable workers”, according to the council.

A GLAA investigation found that workers were living in overcrowded conditions and were forced to work to pay off debts to Gergely, leaving them with little money for food.

The GLAA concluded – and North Somerset magistrates agreed – that a five-year slavery and trafficking risk order (STRO) was necessary to protect the public from any further acts of exploitation.

The civil order means the 31-year-old will face criminal prosecution if any breaks any of four strict conditions put in place.

Under the order, Gergely is prevented from arranging or paying for anyone’s travel into or out of the UK, other than for immediate family members.

The order forbids him from arranging either travel or transport of anyone to work other than for his own immediate family.

Gergely must also not arrange or assist anyone’s work or assist them in finding employment.

The final condition prevents him from procuring, coercing or instructing anyone to rent or sub-let any property or rooms controlled by them or any other accommodation which is owned, controlled or rented by them.

Gergely, of Marghita, Bihor County, was not present at the hearing on Friday (February 11) and has returned to his native Romania.

Speaking after the hearing, GLAA investigating officer Gemma Kirby said: “We  have been successful in securing several orders such as these across many parts of the UK over the last two years.

“We have found them to be an effective tool in protecting the public from potential slavery or human trafficking-related harm.

“Having this order in place until 2027 means that we are able to tackle any future misdemeanours swiftly and decisively.

“We will regularly monitor the order and will not hesitate to act if we find that it is not being complied with fully.”

Breaching the order is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

If you suspect someone is being exploited for their labour, contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email intelligence@gla.gov.uk.

Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.