A MAN has been convicted of a ‘nasty case’ of servitude after forcing two men to work for him and his family.

John Rooney, 35, of Hollybush Lane, Iver was convicted by a unanimous verdict at Aylesbury Crown Court sitting at Amersham Law Courts on Tuesday in what is thought to be only the second conviction of its kind in England.

Rooney held a 30-year-old man and a 43-year-old man by coercion to make them provide work and services for him and his family between January 1 and May 16 last year.

The offence took place in Hollybush Lane, Iver and the victims indicated they had been forced to work for Rooney for more than a year.

Detective Inspector Mark Baxter said: “This is believed to be the first conviction nationally for servitude and is the result of meticulous work by the investigation team.

“One of the victims bravely came to police to report Rooney in July last year, which began our long and complex investigation. This was a particularly nasty case and the victims have shown great courage in giving evidence against Rooney and helping to secure this conviction.

“I hope the knowledge that Rooney is behind bars and will soon be sentenced will enable the victims to start moving on from this ordeal, and encourage other victims of servitude to contact police.” Rooney has been remanded in custody, and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Superintendent Steve Hockin, Area Commander for Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire police area, said: “Whilst these offences are rare the fact that they often take place behind closed doors makes them difficult to discover.

“I would encourage anyone with suspicions of similar activities to contact the police confidant that we will take any accusation seriously.”