Travellers beat vulnerable labourers

A family of Travellers, who led a luxurious lifestyle at the expense of vulnerable men whom they forced to work for a pittance, were facing jail last night.

William Connors, 52, his wife Mary, 48, their sons John, 29, and James, 20, and their son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, enjoyed top-of- the-range cars and lavish holidays.

The family picked up men — often homeless drifters or addicts — to work for them as labourers in their paving and patio business.

The men lived in squalid caravans on Traveller sites.

Many were beaten, hit with broom handles, belts, a rake, a shovel, and punched and kicked by the Connors.

The men were paid as little as £5 (€6.15) for a day’s hard labour on jobs that would earn the family several thousands pounds.

The defendants are to be sentenced on Tuesday.