Sydney  - A 48-year-old Australian hairdresser, Keith William Dobie, from the Gold Coast, was sentenced to five years in prison in the Brisbane District Court Tuesday for people trafficking.

Police believe he is the first person to be sentenced for the crime in Australia, ABC Radio reported.

Dobie pleaded guilty to luring two Thai women to work as prostitutes in Australia. The court was told the women were aware of the nature of their jobs, but were deceived about the hours they would work and were not paid the full amount they were promised.

Judge Leanne Clare said Dobie's crime and treatment of the women was calculated, protracted and callous. She ordered he serve at least 22 months before parole. (dpa)