An investigation into alleged trafficking and exploitation of workers for a Kent-based company will see three people appear in court.

The men were employed by DJ Houghton Catching Services Limited, in Linton, owned by Darrell Houghton and Jackie Judge, to catch poultry to be transported to factories.

A joint investigation between Kent Police and Lithuanian authorities has been looking into these allegations.

A 53-year-old Lithuanian man was arrested by Klaipeda County Police in Lithuania in December.

Officers carried out a warrant at a property in Maidstone in October 2012 in partnership with the Gangmaster Licensing Authority and UK Human Trafficking Centre, and identified more than 30 men as potential victims.

Houghton and Judge, who ran the business, were arrested and released on bail. The Lithuanian man was suspected to have fled back to his home country.

At the time, there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against the British couple, both in their 50s, and they were released without charge.

They have always strongly denied any wrongdoing.

However, six Lithuanian men won a settlement worth more than £1m after taking their case against Houghton and Judge to London's High Court.

They sought compensation for unpaid wages, distress, personal injuries, and consequential losses.

However following the pre-trial investigation by both Lithuanian authorities and Kent Police, the Lithuanian man and the Maidstone couple have now been served with notifications of suspicion by the Lithuanian authorities.

A spokesman for Klaipeda County Police said: "It is suspected that the men, who had been working as chicken catchers, were subjected to slavery by being promised an easy and well-paid job.

"The aggrieved people did not speak English, they lacked money, and were ignorant of local laws.

"Physical and psychological violence was used against them, and a physical and financial punishment system was applied."

They added: "It is suspected that the Lithuanian national could have gained at least £90,000 pounds in three years by exploiting his country-men."

A trial will be held at Klaipeda Regional Court under Lithuanian Criminal Law. A date for the trial has not yet been set.