A GRANDFATHER and his son have appeared before a Carlisle court to face charges brought after a 'modern slavery' probe sparked by a man being found living in a shed.

The two men made their first appearance today at the city's Rickergate magistrates' court.

The accused men are 80-year-old Peter Swailes, of Hadrian's Caravan Park, Old Brampton Road, Carlisle, and his 55-year-old son, also called Peter Swailes, of Low Harker, Carlisle.

They are accused of conspiring "to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation".

Both appeared via video link.

The charges came after a lengthy investigation by the UK’s Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the body that tackles modern day slavery.

Prosecutors will argue that the 'exploitation' happened between July 31, 2015 and April 25, 2019, though it is believed the alleged victim may have lived in the shed - at a location north of Carlisle - for decades.

The man - in his late fifties - may have lived in the 6ft square shed for up to 40 years, say prosecutors. Both defendants will deny there was any exploitation, the court heard.

Swailes junior was represented in court by defence lawyer Tariq Khawam, while his father was represented by defence lawyer John Smith.

Neither defendant entered a plea.

After legal discussions, District Judge John Temperley sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a hearing on April 6. At today's hearing, they only to give their personal details and to confirm that they understood what was happening.

Officials from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority say the alleged offences the two men are charged with are a form of "human trafficking". The alleged offences are contrary to Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

There was huge national interest in the case when the alleged victim was found following a police raid in October, 2018. A representative from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority was in court.