Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org
Donate

Two on Trial for Slavery Crimes at UK Piggery

  • Published on
    January 8, 2018
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Forced Labor, Human Trafficking
Hero Banner

Two men in Glasgow are on trial for subjecting several men to live in “squalid conditions,” and forcing them to work for little for no money. The abuses reportedly took place at a piggery in Shotts, South Lanarkshire.

The Evening Times explains that the charges span nearly three decades:

Robert McPhee, 65, and John Miller, 38, are charged with forcing a number of men to live in “squalid conditions” while making them work for little or no money.

The indictment features 30 charges spanning between 1993 and 2016. Robert McPhee alone is firstly alleged to have held one against his will on various occasions between 2011 and 2014.

The accusation includes claims the individual was made to stay in “squalid living conditions” under McPhee’s control and that he was not allowed to leave. It is further stated he was forced to do work “for little or no pay” and threatened with violence if he did not do it.

Miller is said to have joined McPhee in crimes against two other victims, dating back to 2011 and 2016. The Evening Times says one of these accusations is under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act.

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

100 years later, slavery continues to evolve—and the Slavery Convention remains crucial

Slavery continues to evolve, shifting into new forms that remain hidden across global industries. Though a century has passed since the Slavery Convention, contemporary exploitation still traps people through forced labor, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage. Modern slavery is adapting to technology, conflict, and economic pressure faster than the systems designed to stop it. Ecaterina Schilling, Chair of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund

| Tuesday December 2, 2025

Read more