BRITAIN'S DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions has granted immunity from prosecution to two Nigerian women to allow them give evidence in the trial in Wales of an Irishman for sex-trafficking, including the alleged activities of a brothel in Enniscorthy.

Thomas John Carroll (47), with addresses at Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, west Wales, and Bagenalstown, County Carlow, faces prosecution for trafficking, controlling prostitution and the operation of brothels across Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic.

His arrest last December in Wales was the result of joint operation by An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) in Britain.

The operation involved raiding brothels in Enniscorthy, Cavan, Drogheda, Mullingar, Sligo, Carlow, Kilkenny, Newbridge, Waterford, and others in the North and in Britain.

Seven women from Namibia, Nigeria and Brazil were rescued by the PSNI.

Police said the women had been regularly threatened, assaulted and raped.

Two alleged victims – one of whom was a minor when allegedly trafficked – who were found in brothels in the Republic, agreed to give statements against him.

As they may be liable for prosecution themselves for the possession of false immigration papers and involvement in prostitution, as well as for other matters that may arise in relation to their evidence, they sought immunity from prosecution.

The Nigerian women's solicitor, Ann Fitzgibbon, had applied for immunity for the women in April and in June. The women had been granted temporary residence in the Republic and were undertaking courses. Also arrested in connection with the alleged offences were Mr Carroll's ex-wife, his son, daughter, and his partner, a South African national Shamiela Clark (31).