A POWYS woman has had a slavery and trafficking risk order made more permanent against her – due to concerns she is befriending vulnerable children and grooming them to sell drugs for her.

The application for a slavery and trafficking risk order was made against Lisa Meredith, 42, on an interim basis last month at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court. On Wednesday, July 17, magistrates sitting in the spa town said the order would remain in place for 5 years.

The application for the order had been made by Dyfed Powys Police, which had painted a concerning picture of Meredith’s influence on young teens.

Meredith, of Trefonen Way, Llandrindod, was due at court on Wednesday, but failed to attend once more. The order was again granted in her absence.

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“A letter was sent on July 2 to Ms Meredith, informing her of the hearing date,” said Patrick Gartland, representing the police force.

“The application is made because there are concerns held by a number of parents she is grooming children for the purposes of selling drugs, as well as her partner or men associated with her giving children gifts.

“She has been seen at bus stop and in vehicles with various children.”

A slavery and trafficking risk order is similar to a sexual risk order, in that it is a public safety tool, and determines whether there is a need to protect the public.

Sally Rogers, who represented the force at the previous hearing, said: “The specific concern is a risk of exploitation. The assumption is she’s using under 18s to deal drugs and transport them from town to town.

“She’s making and using drugs in the presence of children at her home. Young people are regularly seen at her house.

“She is classed as a high risk perpetrator. We’d say the acts give rise to a risk of her committing offences.

“She associates regularly with young people; she befriends them, is seen alone with them, mostly aged 12-15.

“She says they are friends of her son. But she has been seen alone travelling with them.

“Two boys have been accepted into a national referring system, as potential victims of modern slavery.”

Ms Rogers said there were more than 200 intelligence logs containing data about Meredith, who is regularly seen travelling in vehicles, on buses and waiting at bus stops with teenagers.

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Ms Rogers had added: “Neighbours reported concerns of large amounts of young boys and girls going into the property, as well as men. Children are at great risk here.”

Magistrates granted the full order, which Meredith will be subject to for five years.

Angela George, chair of the bench, said: “The order has not been opposed by Ms Meredith who knew of the hearing.

“We consider it necessary to make the order for five years. She will be required to notify police of changes to her home address and name.”

They also ordered her to pay £2,293 costs.