Illegally brought here so all 'could make money'
BROTHEL owner Trevor "Papa" McIvor was quite particular about the appearance of the Thai women he brought to Australia to work as sex slaves in his brothel.
A witness who worked at Marilyn's Spa and Sauna in Fairfield recalled to the District Court how the stocky 58-year-old was having problems one day.
"I've paid f---ing $45,000; why can't they look decent," he said.
Each woman had to repay up to $45,000 for the so-called opportunity to work here after McIvor and his wife Kanokporn Tanuchit - known as Anne or Anita - illegally brought them to Australia.
Now the husband and wife face a maximum of 25 years in jail after being found guilty last year of 10 charges of intentionally possessing and exercising control over a slave.
Byron Bay criminal lawyer Bruce Peters, who represents McIvor, rejected the suggestion his client owned and controlled six Thai women by action or intention. Mr Peters and McIvor's barrister Michael Byrne, QC, former Queensland deputy chief prosecutor, plan to fight the conviction after sentencing next week.
An appeal would rest largely on the Wei Tang case before the High Court which will determine whether the term "slavery" should encompass voluntary contractual arrangements without force or coercion.
"'These girls were not exploited," Mr Peters said. "No one argues that they came here illegally but they were brought here voluntarily so everyone could make money.
"They were not my client's chattel slaves.
"They had mobile phones. They were free to come and go as they pleased."
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