Hove woman stands trial for modern slavery offence

Farzana Kausar is charged with one count of modern slavery relating to the woman who lived with Kausar and her family.

Ryan Richeter, prosecuting, told Lewes Crown Court Kausar physically, emotionally and financially abused the woman, now 60, for a period of around five years until 2019.

Kausar, 58, of Adelaide Crescent, Hove, is also charged with perverting the course of justice. She denies both charges.

The pair are said to have met in 2004 when the woman began to rent a property in Worthing from Kausar’s mother.

The woman, who has suffered with alcoholism for several years, is said to have become dependent on Kausar after becoming estranged from her family.

Mr Richeter said Kausar allegedly treated her as a live-in servant, forcing her to cook, clean and look after her children without payment.

He said Kausar became increasingly controlling of the woman including through physical violence and verbal abuse. She is also accused of exercising control over her bank accounts.

Kausar is also accused of regularly taking money from accounts created by her in the woman's name and transferring it into her own bank account.

Adelaide Crescent in Hove| Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

Mr Richeter said police were eventually alerted after Michelle Ormiston, who was briefly employed by Kausar as a nanny, reported the alleged abuse. It is thought that the woman had previously tried to report the situation herself to her GP.

Following her arrest on May 15, 2019, Kausar is also alleged to have pressured the woman to take back her allegations.

The prosecution claims that Kausar attempted to get her to write a letter to the police dropping all charges against her and pinning the blame on Mrs Ormiston and  Kausar's sister Shadnam.

The court heard Kausar owns a number of properties including in Lennox Road, Worthing, and in Hanover Street, Brighton. She also owns properties in London.

The case continues and is expected to last for several weeks.