Six Lithuanian men who brought a 'modern slavery' case against their former Maidstone employers are celebrating today after a judge found in their favour.

The High Court today handed down judgment in favour of the men, who were employed by DJ Houghton Catching Services Limited, in Linton, owned by Darrell Houghton and Jackie Judge.

Justice Supperstone found in favour of the claimants on several key aspects of their claims including that they were not paid according to minimum wage requirements for agricultural workers.

The men, aged between 19 and 58, were paid in terms of the number of chickens they caught at the farm in Wheelers Lane and others as opposed to being paid the minimum wage.

They were also not paid extra for working at night and not paid for time spent travelling to other farms.

The defendants were also found to have unlawfully withheld wages and failed to ensure the workers had adequate facilities to wash, rest, eat and drink.

The Houghtons had previously made an application to strike out the claimants' case but the judge today ruled against this.

Shanta Martin, partner from law firm Leigh Day who is representing the Lithuanian men, said: "This is the first time the High Court has ruled in favour of victims of trafficking against a British company.

“It is an extremely important step towards proper compensation for our clients and should be seen as a warning to British companies that they must eradicate all forms of modern slavery from their businesses, whether in the UK or elsewhere."

The men claimed they were trafficked to the UK with the involvement of a Lithuanian national who was paid for this service by the Houghtons.

Once in England they say they were exploited and forced to work and live in appalling conditions.

They say they travelled up to seven hours before being put to gruelling work in filthy conditions without adequate personal protective equipment, clothing or proper pay.

The claimants allege their wages were often docked or withheld entirely, and that workers were threatened and abused by supervisors, including with the use of dogs.

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

A future hearing will decide upon damages.

Other aspects of the claim, such as personal injury claims, also remain to be determined.

A further 10 former chicken catchers have initiated proceedings with Leigh Day.