Bedfordshire, the Connors family, and forced labour? - Irish Traveller Movement in Britain

The ITMB question the motivation behind the Bedfordshire police issuing a press release in regard of the 5 members of the Connors family, who entered not guilty pleas in Luton Crown court on 13 February 2012 to charges of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced labour.

Why have the Bedfordshire police singled out this Traveller family for special treatment by issuing a detailed press release regarding a minor case management hearing in their case. Bedfordshire police do not routinely issue press releases about individuals charged with offences. Why have the Connors family been singled out for such special treatment, including applying a nick name to one of the defendants, whom Bedfordshire Police sensationally refer to as “Big Jim”.

The ITMB have never called for special treatment for Travelling people, just equal and fair treatment for Travelling people. Bedfordshire Police must explain why they are treating this family differently? Why are the Police pushing this families’ case into the public eye in a way they would not do to other people? What is Bedfordshire police’s motivation for their actions in apparently seeking to sensationalise this case or keep it in the public eye.

Yvonne MacNamara (Director of ITMB said)

“The background to this case is very unusual. People may remember the huge publicity the Bedfordshire police sought and encouraged in regard of their massive raid on Green Acres Travellers’ halting site last Autumn. The Police said at the time of the raid that 25 men had been freed from slavery at the site. Within a couple of days 19 of the 25 men “rescued” confirmed that they wanted no part in the police investigation and a number gave public statements and interviews to the national media confirming that they had been living and working happily with these Travelling people for some years and had to argue with the Bedfordshire police to be allowed to return home to Green Acres halting site.”

“The ITMB will not prejudge the outcome of this case, but will let the criminal justice system take it’s course. Under British law this family is innocent until proven guilty. However, the ITMB still wishes to understand why the Bedfordshire police have sought so strongly to sensationalise this case. We look to Bedfordshire police to explain why they have treated this investigation more like a PR launch than a serious criminal investigation.”

“If the Courts convict these individuals, then we will support the Court’s decision. If these people are found not guilty, the ITMB will call on the police to apologise not only to this family, but to all Travelling people across Britain for the damage that Bedfordshire Police have done to the reputations of all Travelling people as a result of the Police’s graphic and sensationalist PR.”

“We call on all of the media to allow these people to be treated fairly and to get a fair trial, without being subjected to further sensational reporting.
Ends

Contacts
Joe Browne
ITMB Chairman and Solicitor
07711048128
Martin Howe
ITMB Trustee and Human Rights Solicitor
07710 921256
Yvonne MacNamara
ITMB Director
0207 7719492
07961432074

Notes to Editor

* The Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB) is a national community development policy and voice charity who campaign against discrimination, promote inclusion, participation and community engagement for the Irish Traveller and Gypsy communities in Britain. ITMB is proud to work in partnership with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities together with service providers and policy makers across the UK to better promote social inclusion and community cohesion.