Maris Patre, Ionut Ion and Adrian Matei

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 53 years in prison after raping two young Romanian girls.

Marius Petre, Adrian Matei and Ionut Ion had run a brothel in Longworth Street, Deepdale, where two 18-year-olds were forced to work as prostitutes.

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Marius Petre, 27, of Longworth Street, Preston, was found guilty of intentionally arranging/ facilitating entry to the UK of a person with a view to their sexual exploitation, causing/ inciting prostitution for financial gain and two counts of rape. He was sentenced to 20 years.

Adrian Matei, 34, of Longworth Street, Preston, was found guilty of intentionally arranging/ facilitating entry to the UK of a person with a view to their sexual exploitation, causing/ inciting prostitution for financial gain and two counts of rape. He will face 20 years years behind bars.

Ionut Ion, 35, of Longworth Street, Preston, was found guilty of keeping/ managing a brothel used for prostitution and two counts of rape. He has been given a sentence of 13 years.

Police had raided the brothel in July after a tip off via a member of the public on Twitter.

Inside the brothel where the two women were forced to work

DI Jane Webb of Preston Police said: “I am pleased with the result and the sentences handed down to these truly evil men and it sends a clear message to anyone who would consider trafficking and exploiting others, that we do not tolerate it in Lancashire.

“The victims in this case have been so brave and dignified throughout this whole process and I hope that they are now able to move on with their lives, putting this awful experience behind them. Both girls will continue to be supported through the national framework that helps those affected by trafficking and modern slavery.

“We have dedicated officers working hard to remove this type of threat from our communities and I hope that this case will make people think twice before they take advantage of vulnerable people.

“I would urge others out there who may be trapped and are being exploited, to come forward knowing help is available. Similarly, if you have concerns about someone in your community who could be being exploited, be that sexually or in any other way, please pass any information you have on to us. If something doesn’t seem right, call us on 101.”