Coventry man charged with modern slavery offences

Police have charged a man with modern slavery offences, in Coventry.

Jonathon Leacock, also known as John Bowman, was charged with a number of offences this week, as part of an investigation by the Gangs and SOCEX (Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation) team.

Leacock was charged, after officers carried out a pre-planned operation at several properties, including two on Priory Place, on Tuesday (22 September).

The 42 year-old was remanded to appear at Warwick Crown Court on 22 October, after being charged with the following offences:

Arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation

Control prostitution for gain

Keep or manage a brothel used for prostitution

Possess an offensive weapon in private place

Requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour

Detective Inspector Sherrie Kimberley, who leads the Gangs and SOCEX team, said: "We want to safeguard as many people as we can, who may have been criminally exploited and are keen for anyone who might know more to get in touch.

"We are committed to protecting vulnerable women and girls and will continue to carry out proactive operations, wherever and whenever we receive information telling us about this type of activity."

If you have any information which could help, call 101 or use Live Chat on the website, quoting crime number 20/410335/26.

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