The jury in the Carlisle Crown Court trial of three men accused of modern-day slavery offences has been discharged.
During a hearing today, Her Honour Julie Clemitson today told the jury of eight men and four women who have been hearing the case that it would not continue for 'legal reasons'.
The alleged offences - dating back to 2016 and 2017 - relate to the Shiny Car Wash in Warwick Road, Carlisle.
All three defendants - Defrim Paci, 40, of Windmill Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire; Jetmir Paci, 35, of Minimum Terrace, Chesterfield, and Sitar Ali, 31, of Adelaide Street, Carlisle, deny conspiring to require persons to perform forced, or compulsory labour; and they deny conspiring to arrange or facilitate the travel of others for the purposes of exploitation.
In addition, Ali has also pleaded not guilty to an allegation of possessing criminal property.
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