Powys woman's court order over modern slavery concerns

A slavery and trafficking risk order was granted by Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week in relation to Lisa Meredith, after police raised concerns that she is befriending vulnerable children, aged 12-15, and grooming them to sell drugs for her.

Meredith, 42, of Trefonen Way, Llandrindod, was due at court on Wednesday, June 19, but failed to attend. The interim order was granted in her absence ahead of a full hearing next month.

The application for a slavery and trafficking risk order was made on behalf of Dyfed Powys Police by Sally Rogers, who described Meredith’s influence on young teens.

Ms Rogers said a court summons was issued to an individual at Meredith’s home on June 7, strongly advising her to attend and seek legal advice.

She told magistrates she was seeking an interim order this week, with the full case adjourned to another day.

OTHER NEWS:

• Large crane to appear on Newtown skyline next week - this is why
• The powerful stories behind those taking part in the Across Wales Walk
• Powys man pleads guilty to making indecent images of children

“A slavery and trafficking risk order is similar to a sexual risk order,” said Ms Rogers.

“No criminal conviction is required, it is rather a public safety tool, and determines whether there is a need to protect the public.

“The specific concern is a risk of exploitation. The assumption is she’s using under 18s to deal drugs and transport them from town to town.

“She’s making and using drugs in the presence of children at her home. Young people are regularly seen at her house.

“She is classed as a high risk perpetrator. She has convictions for drugs, including possession of heroin and other Class A and C drugs. She was arrested earlier this year for driving under the influence of cocaine.

“We’d say the acts give rise to a risk of her committing offences. She associates regularly with young people; she befriends them, is seen alone with them, mostly aged 12-15.

“She says they are friends of her son. But she has been seen alone travelling with them.

“Two boys have been accepted into a national referring system, as potential victims of modern slavery. It is likely they are victims of modern slavery.”

Ms Rogers said there were more than 200 intelligence logs containing data about Meredith, who is regularly seen travelling in vehicles, on buses and waiting at bus stops with teenagers.

Ms Rogers read from an extensive statement provided by PC Kate Barratt, Dyfed Powys Police’s exploitation officer.

The statement noted multiple incidents of concerning behaviour, including three young males being found at Meredith's home on a school day, as well as empty lager bottles, cannabis and a man wanted on the Police National Computer.

On two separate occasions youngsters who had been reported missing were found at her address, and the parents of other youngsters found with her reportedly did not know their whereabouts.

Another child was reportedly given new clothes by an adult male at Meredith’s home.

“She admits taking heroin and cannabis daily, as well as cocaine and consuming large amounts of lager,” added Ms Rogers.

“Neighbours reported concerns of large amounts of young boys and girls going into the property, as well as men. There is loud music and a smell of cannabis.

“Children are at great risk here.”

Magistrates granted the order, saying they were satisfied it is justified to make an interim order in view of the risk to children outlined in the application.

The interim order was granted until July 17 and the case will be listed for a final hearing on that date in Llandrindod.