Menu
30/04/2010
Bedfordshire Brothel Mum Cleared
A middle-aged mother has been cleared of all accusations that she was running a brothel out of her bedfordshire bungalow.
Claire Astrid Finch, 49, had fought the case - against over whelming evidence - to highlight the plight of prostitutes who want to work from home, but want the safety of having other women with them.
She offered topless massage "with happy endings" from her bungalow in a cul-de-sac in a quiet Bedfordshire village, and advertised in local newspapers.
Other middle-aged women would work from the bungalow, complete with swimming pool, but there were never more than four working at a time.
She told police she did not provide other services but some of her colleagues did.
She would take a percentage of their fees for their use of the premises and her advertising.
Then, in November 2008, a large number of police raided the property and she was arrested.
Prosecutor Samantha Cohen told the jury at Luton Crown Court: "A brothel is a premises where sexual services are offered by more than one person. Ms Finch works as a prostitute and has done so for many years."
But after she pleaded not guilty to keeping a brothel between November 2004 and November 2008, she was unanimously cleared by a jury of eight men and four women after they had deliberated for just an hour and a half.
The verdicts was greeted with cheers from a large group of supporters who had been present during the four day trial.
Miss Finch told the jury: "I wanted to work with a second person. It is not only safety, it is camaraderie.
"It wasn't all sex. A lot of clients said they like to come because it was clean and safe."
Outside court the mother of two said: "This is a victory for women who want to do this work from the safety of their houses.
"This has been 16 months of sheer hell for me but today I have had my own happy ending.
"I will now do whatever I can to campaign to have the law changed."
The International Prostitutes Collective said: "This 'not guilty' verdict greatly strengthens the case for prostitution to be decriminalised so that women are able to work more safely together as in New Zealand."
(LB/BMcC)
Claire Astrid Finch, 49, had fought the case - against over whelming evidence - to highlight the plight of prostitutes who want to work from home, but want the safety of having other women with them.
She offered topless massage "with happy endings" from her bungalow in a cul-de-sac in a quiet Bedfordshire village, and advertised in local newspapers.
Other middle-aged women would work from the bungalow, complete with swimming pool, but there were never more than four working at a time.
She told police she did not provide other services but some of her colleagues did.
She would take a percentage of their fees for their use of the premises and her advertising.
Then, in November 2008, a large number of police raided the property and she was arrested.
Prosecutor Samantha Cohen told the jury at Luton Crown Court: "A brothel is a premises where sexual services are offered by more than one person. Ms Finch works as a prostitute and has done so for many years."
But after she pleaded not guilty to keeping a brothel between November 2004 and November 2008, she was unanimously cleared by a jury of eight men and four women after they had deliberated for just an hour and a half.
The verdicts was greeted with cheers from a large group of supporters who had been present during the four day trial.
Miss Finch told the jury: "I wanted to work with a second person. It is not only safety, it is camaraderie.
"It wasn't all sex. A lot of clients said they like to come because it was clean and safe."
Outside court the mother of two said: "This is a victory for women who want to do this work from the safety of their houses.
"This has been 16 months of sheer hell for me but today I have had my own happy ending.
"I will now do whatever I can to campaign to have the law changed."
The International Prostitutes Collective said: "This 'not guilty' verdict greatly strengthens the case for prostitution to be decriminalised so that women are able to work more safely together as in New Zealand."
(LB/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
17 January 2006
Government says no to managed prostitution zones
The government has announced its long-term strategy for reducing street prostitution, ruling out the idea of "managed zones" for prostitution.
Government says no to managed prostitution zones
The government has announced its long-term strategy for reducing street prostitution, ruling out the idea of "managed zones" for prostitution.
30 September 2005
Nineteen women rescued in brothel raid
Nineteen women, who are believed to have been tricked into working as prostitutes, have been taken from a suspected brothel in Birmingham.
Nineteen women rescued in brothel raid
Nineteen women, who are believed to have been tricked into working as prostitutes, have been taken from a suspected brothel in Birmingham.
12 May 2010
Sex Trafficker Found Guilty For Sexual Exploitation
A man who, together with his partner made more than a million pounds running a brothel empire, was yesterday convicted of conspiracy to traffic people within the UK for sexual exploitation. Michael Dalton was found guilty following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.
Sex Trafficker Found Guilty For Sexual Exploitation
A man who, together with his partner made more than a million pounds running a brothel empire, was yesterday convicted of conspiracy to traffic people within the UK for sexual exploitation. Michael Dalton was found guilty following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
