Salvatore and Robert Lopresti face charges of forced labour.

Two bosses of prominent Bedminster-based ice cream business, Lopresti Ice Cream, are to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 4 October charged with Modern Slavery offences, the Cable can exclusively reveal.

The two individuals summoned, Robert and Salvatore Lopresti, are relatives of Filton and Bradley Stoke MP, Jack Lopresti. Mr Jack Lopresti has no connection to the case.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said:

“As part of an investigation into modern slavery, Robert Lopresti, 45, and Salvatorie [sic] ‘Sam’ Lopresti, 74, both of Long Ashton, have been postal requisitioned to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 4 October.

Robert is due to appear relating to a charge requiring a person to perform forced labour.
Salvatorie [sic] is due to appear relating to charges of assault occasioning ABH and charge requiring a person to perform forced labour.”

The business which trades as Lopresti Ice Cream on Bedminster Parade, operates ice cream vans all over the city. Through his company, Grandbill Limited, Salvatore Lopresti is also a major landlord in the city.

The Cable will continue to follow this case.