Court upgrades slavery order against father and son

A father and son have had a 10-year order protecting the public from modern slavery imposed on them by court.

Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court upgraded the interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) issued to Czech nationals Jan Karicka, 58, and Michal Karicka, 23, to a full order lasting until 2032 at a hearing on Friday January 28.

Both defendants, of Summer Hill Street, Bradford, had previously attended court in September 2021 where an interim STRO was granted.

The order prohibits the pair from arranging travel into or out of the UK for anyone other than immediate family members.

Similarly, both are prevented from arranging either travel or transport of anyone to work, other than for their immediate family.

The order forbids Karicka and Karicka from instructing anyone to rent or sub-let any accommodation which is controlled by them, and from arranging or helping to find employment for anyone other than themselves.

Both defendants must also not arrange or coerce anyone to act on their behalf in relation to any of the restrictions outlined above.

The final part of the order compels the pair to inform Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) officers of any change of address and details of any travel into and out of the UK.

Jan Karicka attended the hearing and did not make any objections to the order. His son is currently back in the Czech Republic and was not present in court.

GLAA Investigating Officer Dave Stockdale said: “It was really pleasing to see this interim order upgraded to a full STRO lasting until 2032.

“The GLAA applied to the court and asked it to consider whether these two individuals presented a risk of committing modern slavery offences. The court agreed with the GLAA that they did. STROs are a crucial tool in protecting potential victims from harm, and also deterring exploitative behaviour which affects both individuals and the wider community.

“Breaching the order is a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. We were particularly pleased to hear in court that it was made very clear to the defendant that any breaches by either him or his son will lead to a prison sentence.

“Our officers will ensure that the conditions within the order are policed robustly and effectively.”

Anyone with information about potential forced labour or labour exploitation offences should contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or by emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk.

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