Llewellyn Culver-Evans contributes to major Modern Slavery research project

Llewellyn Culver-Evans, a member of Chambers’ Crime, Regulatory and Private Prosecution teams, has been interviewed as part of a significant national research project funded by the Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre, in collaboration with the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull.

Llewellyn spoke at length with Dr Craig Barlow regarding the operation of the Section 45 defence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The discussion focused on the practical realities of advancing the defence, including the evidential challenges faced by practitioners, the difficulties in establishing the necessary nexus between exploitation and offending, and the risk of victims being drawn into the criminal justice system before their status is properly recognised.

The interview also addressed broader systemic issues, including inconsistencies in the application of the legislation and the need for improved training across the police, prosecution, and judiciary to ensure that victims of trafficking and modern slavery are identified at an early stage and afforded appropriate protection.

Llewellyn’s contribution forms part of a wider body of research led by Dr Alicia Heys, alongside Dr Craig Barlow and Dr Bethany Darby, examining the operation of modern slavery protections within the criminal justice system.

Llewellyn accepts instructions in cases involving the Section 45 defence, including those raising complex issues of trafficking, exploitation, and criminal liability. For further information, please contact Chambers’ Clerking Team.