Verdict sends a clear message to criminals who profit from the exploitation and misery of others

TRAFFICKING is an issue of growing concern in Scotland, and so we welcome the sentences passed down at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday.

The verdict sends a clear message to those involved in this monstrous crime: the police and partners are working together to detect and prosecute those involved in trafficking.

The two accused pleading guilty has ensured that the women involved have avoided the trauma and anxiety involved in giving evidence.

On that small point alone we should be relieved.

While there have been other successful prosecutions in England, these are the first for trafficking in Scotland. A huge amount of work has led to this point, not just in relation to the Craig-Beukan case itself, but also in terms of our greater understanding of a highly complex issue.

Trafficking is a crime perpetrated by ruthless criminals, who seek to profit from the exploitation and misery of others.

Those who purchase sex must also share responsibility, as they fuel the demand that the traffickers feed off.

The suffering of the women who are bought and sold for sex will be barely even a consideration for the traffickers and their punters, if at all.

This case should be regarded as a beginning. We hope it will increase awareness among vulnerable women of the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (Tara) services available across all of Scotland.

We hope that others trapped by traffickers will feel confident that they will be believed and supported to escape their plight.

lAnn Fehilly has responsibility for Tara, at Glasgow Community and Safety Services.