York woman sentenced to 7 years for domestic slave case

A woman from York has been sentenced to seven years in prison for turning her sister-in-law into a domestic slave. Veronica Sandeman, aged 26 and originally from Dundee, was subjected to and forced to work naked and beg for food. The court heard that she was subjected to 'callous and brutal acts' by Antonia Pearson-Gaballonie, who resides in New Lane, Acomb, York. The judge described her as 'manipulative and cunning' and found her guilty of false imprisonment, making threats to kill, and causing actual bodily harm. Her partner, Neil Pearson, aged 35, was sentenced to two years for aiding and abetting assault. The court detailed how she systematically ill-treated her sister-in-law over a period of two years, starting from New Year's Eve 2002 until Christmas Day 2004, including beatings with a belt, hair cutting, and confinement. The victim finally managed to escape to a friend's house on December 28, 2004, looking 'skeletal' and 'an absolute wreck.' The judge emphasized the cruelty, stating, 'How one person can behave to another with such cruelty is very hard to contemplate — but you did.' Det Insp Mick Moore acknowledged the victim's courage and determination and hoped the sentence would bring her some closure.