Kenneth David Harvey was sentenced today, Monday 16 December, for human trafficking and paying for sexual services.

The 74-year-old, appearing before Belfast Crown Court, was sentenced to two years; one year to be served in prison and one year on licence.

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly , from the Police Service’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit, said: “Last month, on 26 November, the defendant was convicted of human trafficking and three counts of paying for sexual services.  The offences in question, carried out in 2020 and in the Belfast area, relate to a vulnerable young woman.

“This woman, sadly like other victims, was used, controlled and treated terribly.  It’s hard for most of us to imagine the distress, and I’m keen to acknowledge the victim’s tremendous courage in making the decision to speak to us.  Your support was invaluable to our investigation.”

In October of this year Kenneth Harvey had been handed a three year sentence for offences of a similar nature in respect of three victims. Again, the victims were vulnerable young women in the Belfast area.

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly confirmed that this lady was Harvey’s fourth victim in the police investigation, in which officers worked closely with prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service.

The detective has added an appeal for anyone who may be suffering to come forward.

“Even one victim is one too many,” she said. “And, sadly, I know there are other victims out there who are suffering at the hands of others who use and abuse for their own selfish and financial gain.

“I am appealing to you to please speak up. I know it’s not easy, but I promise that we will listen to you and we will help you.  Please take that first step, and contact us on 101.”

In an emergency call 999; 101 in a non-emergency; or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

Information can also be provided, with complete anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org


Tell-tale signs that someone is a victim of modern slavery vary depending on the type of exploitation, but there are things to look out for which are common across all forms of modern slavery. These include:

Someone who can’t produce their passport or personal documents
Someone who is unsure of their home address or the local area
Someone who is distrustful of authorities as traffickers may have told victims that police will be violent towards them
Someone who has no access to medical treatment
Someone who appears to be under the control of others or always has someone else speak on their behalf
An over-crowded house or flat with a regular turnover of new occupants
Someone who may not have cash as they don’t get to keep the money that they earn

Click here to view the  Human Trafficking page.