A Pembrokeshire couple who admitted conspiracy to money launder and control prostitution have been sentenced to a total of 12 and a half years in prison.

Thomas Carroll, aged 49, and 32-year-old Shamiela Clark, formerly of Gateway Lodge, Castlemartin, appeared in front of Judge Neil Bidder QC for sentencing hearing yesterday (Thursday).

Carroll’s daughter, 26-year-old Toma Carroll, of County Carlow, Ireland, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, was also 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.

Thomas Carroll was sentenced to five years for conspiracy to control prostitution and two years for conspiracy to launder money. The two prison sentences will run concurrently.

His partner Shamiela Clark was sentenced to two and a half years for conspiracy to control prostitution and one year for conspiracy to launder money ,with both sentences to run concurrently.

His daughter Toma Carroll was sentenced to two years in prison for money laundering.

"It is no coincidence that all these women ended up working for you," said Judge Bidder.

"You did not ask and you did not care what personal tragedy lay behind them. You closed your eyes to the behaviour of those that you relied to bring prostitution to your business. You must therefore share responsibility."

For more on the sentencing and the multi-agency operation that brought Carroll, Carroll and Clark to justice pick up next Wednesday's Western Telegraph.