Description
A Derby man has been jailed for five years for human trafficking and prostitution offences.
Our Criminal Exploitation Team launched Operation Snark after receiving information that Leighton Murray was exploiting women for sex work.
We established that he approached women already involved in sex work and preyed on their vulnerabilities by offering to help them with their difficulties in life.
He gaslighted them into feeling loved by him and supplied his victims with drugs, all to help keep them on side.
He set up an advert on an adult site under an alias pretending to be a woman sex worker who was running the account on behalf of other women.
Murray used the account to sell explicit content and the sexual services of the women he was exploiting.
The victims had no say in what they were offering, or who with, and were just told the location of the appointment and what was expected of them.
He arranged for the women to be transported to the location of the appointment via taxi or a lift.
Murray also advertised the sale of explicit videos to men or women who contacted the number listed on the advert.
He would offer a bundle of videos for a set price – usually between £10 and £40.
Murray was arrested in April and interviewed but answered no comment to the majority of questions put to him.
He was charged with human trafficking and control prostitution for gain between December 1 2025 and May 1 2026.
Murray was also charged with sharing footage of a person in an intimate state for sexual gratification and acquiring, using or possession of criminal property between April 4 and April 11 this year.
The 41-year-old Derby man, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to all charges.
He was jailed for five years, made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO), the later of which is in force for 15 years.
Detective Inspector Chris Ford, who leads the force’s Criminal Exploitation Team, said:
“Murray exploited the vulnerabilities of others for his own criminal gain.
“Human trafficking is a truly abhorrent crime and a blight on our society. We are pleased to see that Murray has been given a lengthy sentence befitting of his appalling crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victims for their brave actions throughout our investigation and hope this case highlights how we will take action against anyone involved in the exploitation of others in the strongest possible way.
“If you are being exploited or believe someone else may be a victim of such crimes, please get in touch with us.
“You will be listened to and can expect a full and thorough investigation into your case, all whilst being supported by specialist officers.”