A JURY in the trial of three men who deny alleged Carlisle “modern slavery” and “exploitation” offending has today been discharged.
The trio – Defrim Paci, 40; his 35-year-old brother Jetmir Paci; and Sitar Ali, 31 – each pleaded not guilty earlier this year to two charges relating to the Shiny car wash site at Warwick Road in the city.
One charge alleges conspiracy to require persons to perform forced and compulsory labour; and a second alleges conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of others with a view to exploitation.
Ali, of Adelaide Street, Carlisle, has also denied a third charge which alleges the possession of criminal property – namely cash.
The trial of Ali; Defrim Paci, of Windmill Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire; and Jetmir Paci, of Minimum Terrace, Boythorpe, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire; began at Carlisle Crown Court last month.
It was due to last around six weeks.
This morning (WED) a jury of eight men and four women was discharged from reaching verdicts in the trial by Judge Julie Clemitson due to “legal reasons”.
