By JAMES SLACK

Last updated at 17:22 16 December 2007

Sex slaves smuggled illegally into Britain are to share millions of pounds in compensation for their 'pain and trauma', it has emerged.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority - slated for long delays in making payments to the victims of violent crime - agreed to hand over £140,000 to the first four cases last week.

The women had suffered a 'sustained period of sexual abuse' after being trafficked into the UK.

Another 10,000 are estimated to be eligible under a new interpretation of guidelines drawn up by CICA, a Government agency.

The authority told the London law firm Lovells, which is acting for a number of the victims, that it would 'officially recognise' the trauma experienced by thousands of women and children.

It is likely to re-open controversy over the way victims of sex trafficking should be treated.

The Home Office is already faced with a dilemma over the deportation of illegal immigrants forced to work in the sex trade, with Ministers indicating some may be allowed to stay.

But they also recognise the danger that offering help to trafficking victims - including compensation payments - could encourage illegal immigration.

The women who received £140,000 were smuggled from eastern Europe by British-based criminals using established international sex trafficking networks.

One girl was illegally brought into the UK five years ago, aged 13. Another was trafficked in 2003 when she was 16. Both were kept prisoner by the same trafficking syndicate until they managed to escape at the start of last year.

According to lawyers, who have agreed to protect the identity of claimants, they were subject to 'forced prostitution, multiple rapes and beatings' while being held captive in the UK.

In addition, their captors refused to give the victims money and warned they would be killed if they fled. The highest award paid to the four was £62,000, and the lowest £16,500.

The payments were made for 'false imprisonment and forced prostitution during the time of their imprisonment'.

Last week, CICA was attacked by the Government's official spending watchdog for delaying payments to people who have been attacked by violent thugs.

Inspectors said the body is taking longer to deal with cases, failing to reduce the number of ineligible applications and missing its targets.

A growing backlog of cases means more than 81,000 people are still waiting to find out if they will receive any support.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Victim Support, said: 'Delays in processing claims are worrying and the long-term increase in turnaround time does need resolving.'