Man who drove women to brothels from airport jailed

A 62-year-old man who picked up women from an airport before driving them to brothels across the country has been jailed.

Joseph Pike, of York Road in Bedminster, Bristol, drove women from Bristol Airport before taking them to a brothel in the city, followed by brothels in Sheffield, Hemel Hempstead and Kings Lynn.

Pike admitted to human trafficking and brothel keeping offences and was jailed for four years and one month at Bristol Crown Court on 11 June.

Det Con, Daniel Wasiuk, said human trafficking causes "long-term damage and harm to victims".

Pike was also given a seven-year slavery and trafficking prevention order.

Avon and Somerset Police said Pike was arrested on 25 February at his home, where officers also found two sex workers who had a phone which contained more evidence directly linking him to the brothel.

Wasiuk, the investigating officer, said: "Human trafficking is an appalling offence which causes long-term damage and harm to victims.

"We hope this arrest and conviction shows our dedication to identifying trafficking offences and bringing those who exploit others for their own gain to justice."

Police want anyone with information or concerns about any form of exploitation to contact officers.

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