Melbourne Woman Jailed for Trying to Silence Slavery Victim
A 55-year-old woman from Mount Waverley, Melbourne, has been handed an extra two-and-a-half years in jail. She was found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice during an Australian Federal Police (AFP) slavery probe. The sentence was delivered on 7 July 2023.
The Horrific Slavery Case
The woman and her husband were earlier convicted and imprisoned in 2021 after an AFP investigation uncovered they had kept a victim locked in slavery for eight brutal years. The couple forced the victim to live in filthy conditions while performing endless domestic chores like cooking, cleaning, and caring for their children.
- The victim’s health took a severe hit, suffering malnutrition, diabetes, and gangrene in her feet and hands.
- She was finally hospitalised for urgent treatment.
Attempt to Intimidate Witness Backfires
In June 2016, the AFP charged the pair with slavery offences. But while awaiting trial in 2020, the woman tried to obstruct justice. She contacted the victim, threatening her to stay silent during court proceedings.
By February 2020, the AFP Human Trafficking Team charged her separately with the offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice, under section 43 of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
Heavy Sentence Adds to Jail Time
On 13 June 2023, the woman pleaded guilty to the obstruction charge. Yesterday, the County Court of Victoria sentenced her to two years and six months more, starting 18 months before she finishes her current slavery sentence.
Previously, she was sentenced to eight years with a non-parole period of four years for slavery. Her husband got six years with a three-year non-parole period. This latest ruling brings her total sentence to nine years, with parole eligibility in January 2026.
AFP Warns Against Obstruction
“We take any attempts to interfere with the integrity of a trial very seriously,” AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said. “People who try to obstruct justice face severe penalties. We are committed to upholding the integrity of the criminal justice system.”
