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<p>The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not maintain a central record of the number
of cases in which a defendant has been charged with, or prosecuted for a criminal
offence where it subsequently becomes known that their actions were the result of
their being a victim of modern slavery</p><p> </p><p>The CPS has published clear legal
guidance which recognises the principle of non-prosecution of victims of trafficking
or slavery. It has delivered training on the steps to be taken, where there is a reason
to believe that a suspect or defendant in a criminal case might be a victim. In those
circumstances, the prosecutor will consider what further evidence or information might
be required and will review whether the prosecution should proceed or not. The guidance
sets out that where there is sufficient evidence that the accused is a victim and
the conditions provided for in section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 are met,
the case should not be charged or proceeded with.</p>
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