The sentencing of a Pembrokeshire couple who have admitted conspiracy to money launder and control prostitution is due to begin at Cardiff crown court today (Thursday).

Thomas Carroll, aged 48, and 31-year-old Shamiela Clark, formerly of Gateway Lodge, Castlemartin,are listed to appear in front of Judge Neil Bidder QC for the first of a two day sentencing hearing.

Carroll’s daughter, 25-year-old Toma Carroll, of County Carlow, Ireland, who has pleaded guilty to money laundering, is also due to be sentenced.

The trio were due to stand trial in connection with human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering at Cardiff crown court last month. In a dramatic turn of events, after a week of legal arguments, they pleaded guilty to a string of charges.

All charges of human trafficking will remain on file.

The Castlemartin pair were arrested in Pembrokeshire on December 3rd, 2008, as part of a long-running police operation targeting an organised crime gang.

Toma Carroll was arrested just weeks later.

The multi-agency operation, which led to the three arrests, was spearheaded by detectives from Northern Ireland Police Service’s Serious Organised Crime branch, in partnership with the Serious Organised Crime Agency and An Garda Siochana.

Detective Chief Superintendent Essie Adair, head of the organised crime squad, said at the time of the arrests: “Our inquiries have involved activity in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and even South Africa.

“This cross-border, inter-continental element has been brought about because we believe the gang was using mobile phones and the internet to run its operations.

“We believe we have dismantled an organised crime gang which was operating in three jurisdictions in Europe and has links to South Africa,” he added.