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A man and a woman have been sentenced for multiple offences, including human trafficking. Gerald Corrigan, aged 66 and residing in Keeragh Park, Pomeroy, pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking as well as possession and transfer of criminal property. He received a sentence totaling 16 months, divided into eight months of custody followed by eight months on license. Mavie Martins Mariano, 51, from Ard Aveen Park, Bessbrook, also admitted to charges of human trafficking, acquiring, possessing, and transferring criminal property, brothel keeping, and controlling prostitution. Mariano, originally from Brazil, was sentenced to three years, consisting of three months’ imprisonment and 33 months on license.
The court acknowledged that both defendants had served time on remand, which was likely to count toward their custodial sentences. During the sentencing hearing at Dungannon Crown Court, Judge Brian Sherrard emphasized that the guilty pleas and expressions of remorse were taken into account. He also factored in the impact of incarceration on Mariano’s family and Corrigan’s health conditions. Judge Sherrard remarked, “You were both concerned in the trafficking of women for the purpose of sexual exploitation and you both acquired a considerable amount of money during this offending period.” However, he also noted, “I acknowledge this is not a case involving threats or violence and it is accepted by the prosecution in this case there is no evidence of coercion and the defence contend these women were acting voluntarily.”
The defendants were arrested in November 2022 in what the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described as the largest human trafficking operation they had conducted. The police raided 27 brothels across Northern Ireland with the involvement of approximately 150 officers. The offences spanned from March 2020 to November 2022. Evidence presented in court included the transfer of around £174,000 between Corrigan and Mariano. Previously, the prosecution summarized the case, indicating that the defendants had organised and controlled prostitution throughout Northern Ireland over nearly three years. Mariano was described as having a leading role, with evidence showing she booked apartments for sex workers on 22 occasions and admitted to organising escort advertisements as well as the weekly movement of five to six women.
Corrigan’s role primarily involved driving sex workers and handling financial transactions. He acknowledged depositing money into his bank account, fully aware that it was linked to prostitution. The prosecution stressed that his activities involved the exploitation of sex workers. In their defense, lawyers argued there was no coercion involved and that the women participated voluntarily. Regarding Mariano’s trip to Turkey for gastric surgery, the defense argued that this did not signify wealth or criminal gain, pointing out that the procedure is often sought abroad due to lower costs despite safety warnings. The defense further described Mariano as not being a principal organiser or leader. Concerns were also raised about the potential negative effects of imprisonment on her family. Corrigan’s defense highlighted his limited involvement, modest financial benefit, and serious health issues including prostate cancer. Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly of PSNI’s organised crime branch revealed that many victims were Brazilian nationals lured with false promises and targeted due to their vulnerability, particularly their language barriers and immigration status. She noted, “This is so typical of what human traffickers do. They prey on victims who are in any way vulnerable, and those who are afraid or unable to speak out.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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