Luton convictions – Absolutely indefensible

The case in Luton, where an Irish Traveller couple were jailed for 11 years and four years respectively, for keeping homeless men in conditions of “pure evil” reflects very badly on Ireland.

It reflects particularly badly however on a community that insists its culture and differences be respected and accommodated.

There should be no doubt but that unfettered greed led to this horrifying example of inhuman criminality. Men, many destitute and addicted to drugs or alcohol, where taken from the streets with promises of work and pay that were never kept. They were beaten and held against their will in appalling conditions while working up to 19 hours a day, six days a week. They were barely fed and all of their documentation taken from them.