A woman has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for exploiting a vulnerable victim by forcing her into sex work and making her steal from shops, a court has heard.
Anna Stukova, 30, subjected the victim to physical abuse and intimidation, including threats to kill her. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court revealed that Stukova carried out a campaign of violence and control over the victim between January 2023 and November 2024.
During this time, Stukova forced the victim to commit thefts from various shops while also stealing from and assaulting her. She used violence and weapons to intimidate the victim and compelled her into sex work for financial gain.
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Stukova pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of requiring forced or compulsory labour, one count of sexual assault, threatening a person with a weapon in public, assault by beating, actual bodily harm, witness intimidation, and theft-related offences.
Detective Constable Jennie Holland of Staffordshire Police praised the victim’s bravery in supporting the investigation and highlighted the force’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. Detective Inspector Carla Thompson emphasized the dedication of the modern slavery team in tackling such crimes and urged anyone concerned about potential exploitation to reach out for help.
In addition to her prison sentence, Stukova has been subjected to an indefinite restraining order, a sex offender notification requirement, and a 15-year slavery and trafficking protection order preventing her from entering specific areas.
Staffordshire Police encourage anyone worried about modern slavery or exploitation to contact them via phone, live chat, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.