Police raid brothel in Perth flat

Oct 17 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A POLICE raid on a flat in Perth uncovered a brothel with prostitutes drafted in from England.

Perth Sheriff Court heard that illicit goings-on were discovered in the South Methven Street property after keen-eyed police spotted an incriminating advert in a national newspaper.

Fair City ‘madam’ Christine Lynch (56) was caught out after officers noticed a plug for the brothel’s wares in the Daily Sport, the court was told.

When police called on the premises last July 24, they found female sex workers in the middle of a shift.

Officers seized a host of items, including mobile phones, stockings, pornographic magazines, condoms, a dominatrix suit and whip, sex aids, a pair of handcuffs, air fresheners and a box containing a wig and sunglasses.

A pink purse with £850 in cash was also found, and two other containers with £355.

Depute fiscal Therese Oswald said Lynch immediately admitted the pink purse was hers – and that one of the mobiles was her “business phone”.

Mrs Oswald said its number was the same as the one published in the newspaper.

Interviewed by police hours later, Lynch admitted the flat was used as a brothel. “She stated that she acted as a maid,” said Mrs Oswald.

“She explained to the officers that her duties were to look after the prostitutes, place ads, answer calls from clients, pay rent for the flat and deposit money into the account of a female whom she named to the officers.

“The female was a friend of hers who was responsible for taking out the flat’s lease three years previously.

“The other lady was the one responsible for arranging for prostitutes to travel to Perth, usually from London and Nottingham. The girls would stay for about 10 days.”

Mrs Oswald said Lynch would direct punters to a bedroom where a prostitute would explain the range of services.

Charges started at £40 and included £80 for half-hour sessions and £100 for an hour.

Lynch, who received a smaller cut of the earnings than her friend, admitted she was involved in the management of the brothel but denied any further involvement.

Lynch’s solicitor Linda Clark said she had been arrested immediately after the raid, was detained overnight and appeared in court the next day.

Mrs Clark said unemployed Lynch had recently come out of “a difficult and abusive relationship” lasting 20 years.

“Her partner drank excessively and she was subjected to acts of violence within the family home. She has also spent time in and out of women’s aid refuges,” said the defence agent.

“Considerable debt accrued, primarily in Mrs Lynch’s name, while trying to maintain a household with three children.

“Through a third party, this scheme was suggested to her as a means of additional income.

“This occasion was the second time she had come to this area. Her role was as a maid and receptionist.

“Somewhat unfortunately the income derived was of little benefit overall.

“For every £500 earned Mrs Lynch would receive around £100. Over the 14 days in this area she made £300.

“Given that she has debts of several thousand pounds, it has done nothing for her.”

First offender Lynch, of Hadley Street, London, admitted keeping, managing or assisting at a brothel at Flat 1/1 Methven Mews, South Methven Street.

The sheriff agreed there had been “an element of necessity” about Lynch’s activities.

“Offences of this nature are a concern for people in the locality and those concerned with public order because of the undesirable nature of the people attracted into the area and the activities themselves,” he told Lynch.

“However, you were not the brain behind the business.”

Lynch was fined £270. The seized possessions, including the £850, were also forfeited.