October Update
October saw the last of the very much depleted band of Old Time Sailors return to our native country, Argentina. It would seem that the UK Police force did not prosecute any of those that were arrested although the 3 victims taken in to care after the van crash in Tavistock, were declared by the Home Office NRM as victims of Modern Day Slavery. Whilst This is very dissappointing for those members of the band that were subjected to abuse and never paid but this does not mean that those arrested are innocent of the allegations laid against them. The case remains active and has not been closed by the Police. We suspect that the Police have not followed up on this case as the individuals involved were returning to Argentina apart from the UK national.
There is some positive news though.
The base that OTS used, Hurlditch Horn Farm in Gullworthy, Devon has been cleared of the static caravans hidden away in one the the farm barns due to being designated unsafe conditions that were not fit to be living in as well as the farm not having planning permission to use these caravans as living quarters. All vehcles belonging to OTS have also been removed. We're sure that Mr Guzmán and Katie Richards would have had a fun time dealing with that.
We have been informed that 2 UK venues that were claiming their deposits back after cancelling within the legal contractual time frame have successully had their county court hearings in favour of the venues. Also a former UK band member has also successfully had UK court proceedings in their favour for non payment of wages. Interestingly, when the bailifs contacted the UK registered
company address for OTS in preparation for removing property belonging to OTS, they were informed (presumably by the owners of the property, Mr & Mrs Jon Servaes) that the premises have not been used or paid for by Mr Guzman since 2022.
This is an interesting revalation as it's illegal within the UK to run a business and have accounts for a business that doesn't have a UK registered address. We have also carried out some research in to UK Immigration rules. "Section 21 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 creates the criminal offence of knowingly employing a person who is disqualified from employment due to their immigration status. An employer is liable if they knew the person was working illegally, or if they had reasonable cause to believe they were. Penalties can include imprisonment and/or a fine, and the offence grants immigration officers powers for entry, search, and arrest". Given that many of the UK venues were made aware that neither Mr Guzman or the band members had working or entertainment visas, we would assume that by employing OTS, they were also guilty of breaking UK laws.
Finally, OTS were due to perform in San Isidro, Buenos Aires on Friday 21st November but sadly, the venue cancelled at the last moment due to bad weather. Though considering their now deleted Instagram post advertising the show had 100+ comments condeming the band, we suspect this may have had something to do with it.
It would seem our fellow compatriate's world is getting smaller and smaller!