Barwell couple jailed for Slavery offences

A couple from Barwell who treated a vulnerable woman in her 20s as their slave for nearly a year and a half have been jailed. 

A couple from Barwell who treated a vulnerable woman in her 20s as their slave for nearly a year and a half have been jailed. 

27-year-old Kevin Warren and his partner Donna Morris, who is 35, of Bradgate Road, Barwell, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Modern Slavery Act at the start of their trial held at the end of last year.

Warren also admitted five counts of rape against the woman.

Kevin Warren has been sentenced to serve 18 years in prison, and five years on licence following his release.

Donna Morris has been ordered to serve a four year prison sentence.

The victim was subjected to 17 months of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, with the pair also controlling her finances.

Their appalling crimes first came to light shortly after the victim broke down and began to disclose the life she was being forced to lead.

Detective Inspector Mark Parish, who oversaw the investigation, said the crimes committed against the woman were “truly shocking in their wickedness, their wantonness, and their horror”.

He said: “I cannot begin to imagine the torment this young, vulnerable woman went through in those 17 months. It beggars belief that people can treat a fellow human being in such a grotesquely cruel fashion.

“The depths to which these offenders sank were matched only by our resolute determination to bring them to justice, and I would want to praise my colleague Detective Constable Tom Butler who has demonstrated total dedication and determination in his enquiries to achieve that.

“The fact that the two defendants pleaded guilty is a tribute to the victim’s remarkable courage in coming forward and telling us what had happened to her, and to Tom’s dogged perseverance and the thoroughness of his work as the officer in charge of this case."

“Let this terrible case send out the strongest possible warning to anyone who thinks it is appropriate to treat a fellow human being like this. You will be caught, and you will face justice.”