ALLEGED members of a “lover boy” sex trafficking ring could be tried in Bristol, a court heard.

Five people are expected to stand trial in connection with allegations that women were trafficked from Romania to work in Swindon brothels.

At Swindon Crown Court this week, Judge Peter Crabtree told barristers representing the two women and three men that he had been in discussion with the region’s senior judge about potential venues for the trial.

If current social distancing restrictions remain in force, the trial would likely have to be held either in Swindon’s largest courtroom – over the road in the town’s magistrates’ court – or at Bristol Crown Court.

On Tuesday, Judge Crabtree adjourned the case for a mentions hearing on June 18. The trial is expected to take place in 2022.

Priyantha Yakdehige, 52, of Purton, Cristina Olaru, 28, of Eastleaze, Victoria Olaru, 24, of Rovinari, Romania, and Danut Cretu, 25, of Croydon, deny various charges of money laundering, human trafficking or conspiracy to traffic women with a view to them being exploited. Gigi Ciobanica, 43, of Birmingham, is yet to enter his pleas.

All have been bailed.