Woman Jailed For Keeping Pensioner A Slave

A cruel and selfish woman, who held a vulnerable pensioner in slavery for over four years, has been jailed.

Maria Miller, 65, of Simmons Lane, Chingford, recruited the woman outside a local pet shop, initially to volunteer at her charity outlet.

However, the victim, who was 74 years-old by the time she escaped Miller's clutches, ended up being a dogsbody who slept on the floor of the defendant's home.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court she was found guilty of two counts of holding another in slavery or servitude and one count of theft and received three years.

In 2012 she persuaded the woman, who has learning difficulties, to move into her home address.

She then made her sleep on the floor and carry out tasks such as weeding the garden or clearing out animal shelters in exchange for meals or coming back inside the house.

This resulted in her often being left outside, working until late at night.

Miller also took control of the victim’s bank account, became executor and sole trustee in her will and tried to persuade her to sell a property she owned.

She also refused her access to a mobile phone, money or access to her own pension.

She also lost a significant amount of weight as Miller often refused to provide meals for a number of days, as well as forcing her to sleep on the floor or in an outhouse.

Miller's home was stuffed with designer items, particularly clothing and expensive bottles of champagne.

On June 14, 2016, the victim managed to run away from the address and reported the abuse to police, who began an investigation.

Detective Sergeant James Earle, who led the investigation, said: “Miller targeted one of society’s most vulnerable and the sentence received today reflects the gravity of her actions.

“This was a long and challenging investigation, but we are pleased that Miller has now been brought to justice.

“We know that the victim will never forget the years she spent in constant fear but we hope that she has some closure now Miller is behind bars.

“Her bravery in coming forward to police and reliving some of the worst experiences of her life in court is testament to her strength of character and we hope this sends out a message that the Met will seek to bring the strongest charges for such shocking criminal conduct where appropriate.”