Pair Sentenced for Human Trafficking Offenses

Gerald Corrigan, 66, and Mavie Martins Mariano, 51, have been sentenced for their involvement in human trafficking and related offenses. The pair previously pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including human trafficking, possessing criminal property, and transferring criminal property.

Mariano, originally from Brazil, received a three-year sentence, comprising three months in custody and 33 months on license. Corrigan was sentenced to 16 months, with eight months in custody and eight months on license. Both defendants had already spent time in custody on remand, meaning the custodial portions of their sentences may have been served.

At Dungannon Crown Court, Judge Brian Sherrard acknowledged the guilty pleas and expressions of remorse from both defendants. The judge also considered the impact of imprisonment on Mariano's family and Corrigan's health issues when delivering the sentences.

"You were both concerned in the trafficking of women for the purpose of sexual exploitation and you both acquired a considerable amount of money during this offending period," Judge Sherrard stated. He noted that the case did not involve threats or violence, and the prosecution accepted there was no evidence of coercion, with the defense contending the women involved were acting voluntarily.

The pair were arrested in November 2022 as part of what was then described as the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) largest operation against human trafficking. This operation involved approximately 150 officers and resulted in the raiding of 27 brothels across Northern Ireland. The offenses spanned from March 23, 2020, to November 21, 2022.

Court proceedings revealed that a significant sum, around £174,000, was transferred between Corrigan and Mariano. The prosecution outlined that the case centered on the organization of sex work and the control of prostitution over a two-year, eight-month period. Mariano, described as having a leading role, admitted to booking properties for women identified as "escorts" and organizing advertisements. Evidence suggested she funded a trip to Turkey for gastric implant surgery, an expense described as "not insignificant."

Corrigan's role was primarily that of a driver for sex workers and a collector of money. He admitted to lodging money into his bank account, knowing it came from prostitution, and moving sex workers with the knowledge that they were being exploited.

Defense barristers argued that there was no evidence of coercion, asserting that the women engaged in sex work voluntarily. They also highlighted that Mariano lacked visible wealth and that her trip to Turkey for surgery was undertaken due to lower costs. Regarding Corrigan, the defense stated his involvement in the overall scheme was limited, with modest financial gain, and pointed to his ill health and previous time spent in custody.