This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-22433982

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Connors family members jailed for servitude offences Connors family members jailed for servitude offences
(35 minutes later)
A father and son have been jailed for keeping vulnerable men captive and forcing them to work.A father and son have been jailed for keeping vulnerable men captive and forcing them to work.
Tommy Connors Sr, 53, was jailed for eight years and his son Patrick, 21, for five years at Luton Crown Court.Tommy Connors Sr, 53, was jailed for eight years and his son Patrick, 21, for five years at Luton Crown Court.
Both men, from Bedfordshire, had been found guilty in July 2012 of servitude, compulsory labour and assault charges.Both men, from Bedfordshire, had been found guilty in July 2012 of servitude, compulsory labour and assault charges.
But a jury was discharged at a separate trial after failing to reach verdicts on other charges against both men and James Connors, 25, and Tommy Jr, 27.But a jury was discharged at a separate trial after failing to reach verdicts on other charges against both men and James Connors, 25, and Tommy Jr, 27.
A jury at Luton Crown Court failed to reach a verdict on any of the charges against them after deliberating for more than two days. The jury at Luton Crown Court failed to reach a verdict on any of the charges against them after deliberating for more than two days.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it would not be pursuing a retrial.The Crown Prosecution Service said it would not be pursuing a retrial.
Passing sentence, Judge Michael Kay said Tommy Connors Sr had targeted men who were "homeless or addicted and isolated" whom he knew he could exploit.
Men, often out of work and homeless, even alcoholics, would be recruited at soup kitchens and off the street with the promise of paid work, food and lodgings.
"It was a monstrous and callous deceit" the judge said.