A man has been awarded £352,000 (approximately Rs 3.75 crore) as compensation for being held captive and enslaved by the wealthy Rooney family for over two decades, according to The Metro. The victim, known only as ‘Victim A’, was subjected to unimaginable cruelty, forced to live in squalid caravans on the family’s traveller site in Lincolnshire. This landmark compensation follows a prolonged period of exploitation by the Rooneys, who have been accused of running a regime of terror for over twenty years.
The Rooney family’s heinous actions involved exploiting vulnerable homeless men, many of whom were forced to work for little or no wages while living in deplorable conditions. These men were often subjected to brutal beatings and threats of death if they refused to comply with the Rooneys’ demands. The living conditions on the site were appalling, with photographs revealing filthy beds, lack of food, and unsanitary environments. The captors frequently fed their victims scraps and treated them with contempt.
Tragically, fifteen other men who endured similar fates died before justice could be served. The Rooneys, during this period, amassed a fortune of more than £1.5 million, profiting from the extreme suffering of their captives. In 2017, eleven members of the Rooney family were imprisoned for a combined total of 79 years for their crimes, marking a significant moment of justice for the victims.
The awarded compensation to Victim A aims to provide financial security and support for his ongoing care. However, this monetary recompense cannot erase the years of torment and deprivation he endured. The Rooneys’ actions have left a lasting impact on the lives of their victims, and the compensation is a small step towards acknowledging the grave injustices they suffered.
This case highlights the severe exploitation and abuse faced by vulnerable individuals at the hands of those who exploit their power and wealth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, and ensuring that justice is served for those who have been wronged. The ordeal of Victim A and the other men exploited by the Rooney family is a stark example of modern-day slavery and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat such atrocities.