A CO.DOWN man has been sentenced to five years after admitting a series of offences, including controlling prostitution and human trafficking.
Martin Heaney, 59, from Dromore, pleaded guilty last November to 28 charges relating to 12 female victims.
The offences included controlling prostitution for gain, voyeurism, human trafficking, acquiring criminal property and causing or inciting prostitution for gain.
Heaney, who will spend half his sentence on licence, was also made the subject of a seven-year Sex Trafficking Prevention Order.
'Treated appallingly'
Speaking after Wednesday's sentencing at Laganside Cown Court, DI Rachel Miskelly described Heaney's crimes as 'despicable'.
"The investigation, from start to finish, has unearthed a series of despicable offences — all with the common aim of exploiting vulnerable young women for selfish financial gain," she said.
"The women have been controlled, used and treated appallingly."
She added: "Initial information gathered indicated that Heaney was involved in transporting vulnerable, young, local women throughout Northern Ireland and to the Republic of Ireland to provide sexual services for payment.
"Heaney was initially arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering; and was further arrested on suspicion of voyeurism, brothel-keeping and paying for sexual services."
Senior Public Prosecutor Mairead Lavery from the PPS Serious Crime Unit said Heaney had trafficked and exploited a number of young women whom he knew to be vulnerable due to issues including homelessness, addiction and isolation.
"He did this for his own financial gain, advertising them online for unprotected, high risk sexual activity and trafficking them within Northern Ireland and to the Republic of Ireland," she said.
'Traffickers know no borders'
Ms Lavery said the case also highlighted some misconceptions about human trafficking.
"Human trafficking often occurs across international borders but this case, in which the victims were all originally from Northern Ireland, highlights that it does not always involve perpetrators or victims who have come here from another country," she said.
"Traffickers know no borders and will target people who are vulnerable for a range of reasons.
"In this case, five other individuals received cautions for buying sexual services, which is illegal in Northern Ireland.
"For most people, selling sexual services is not truly a free choice.
"Even when they escape their situation, many are left traumatised and with feelings of guilt and shame.
"Anyone paying for sexual services should know that they are contributing to the exploitation of another human being and, in many cases, the profits of human traffickers."
