A man found hanging from a tree in Batley was a Hungarian victim of human trafficking, an inquest heard.

Viktor Fejes, 28, of Staincliffe, climbed 20ft up a tree in parkland off Track Road and hanged himself.

His body was seen by parents and children on their way to school.

An inquest in Bradford was told Fejes was brought to Britain and put to work in local bed factories by a brutal workmaster.

The gangmaster, Janos Orsos, 43, of Heckmondwike, was jailed for five years in May for his part in a human trafficking operation in Kirklees.

Janos Orsos
Janos Orsos

Teeside Crown Court heard how Hungarian nationals were lured to the UK and forced to work up to 60 hours a week for as little as £20. Many lived in cramped rooms in Dewsbury.

Police launched Operation Tanhouse in 2011 after a 20-year-old man escaped the clutches of the gang.

Mr Fejes was moved to Newcastle after Orsos was convicted but later returned to Batley to work.

He lost his job on October 20 and feared he would become homeless.

Deputy coroner Dr Dominic Bell heard how Mr Fejes spoke to his mother on October 22 and was found hanging from a tree the next morning.

Dr Bell, recording a suicide verdict, said: “This is an exceptionally sad story where someone has moved to Britain to find a better life. The tale of exploitation is hardly edifying.”

In a statement, Mr Feje’s friend Zslot Szenti told how Mr Feje used cannabis and legal highs during his time working under the gangmaster, known to them as “Kacsa”, which means “duck” in Hungarian.

Mr Feje also turned to alcohol and became withdrawn. He told his friend he would never take his own life, however.

Dr Bell said at the time Mr Fejes went to the park there would have been no-one around to help.

He offered his condolences to his family and friends.