Govanhill human trafficking witness refuses to give evidence

A witness has refused to give evidence in the trial of four people accused of trafficking women into Scotland for prostitution and slavery.

Helena Cicova was t due to testify via video link at the High Court in Glasgow.

Lord Beckett asked Miss Cicova would she “affirm” before giving her evidence.

But, via an interpreter, the court was told the witness had been “informed about her rights” and had decided not to testify.

The judge asked: “You have told us that you do not wish to answer any questions?”

Miss Cicova: “Yes.”

Prosecutor Kath Harper said, as a result, evidence would now not be taken from Miss Cicova.

The judge then told the witness: “The court will not be asking you any questions in the light of the position you adopted.”

Lord Beckett went on to state to jurors the court "was entirely dependent on the law of another country" when a witness was giving evidence outside Scotland.

61 year-old Vojtech Gombar, 37 year-old Anil Wagle, 28 year-old Jana Sandorova and 31 year-old Ratislav Adam deny trafficking women.

Prosecutors allege that women were brought over from Slovakia and held in “slavery or servitude” between 2011 to 2017.

The trial, before Lord Beckett, continues.