In a amazing victory, on 29 April 2010 in Luton Crown Court, Claire Finch was found not guilty of a criminal charge of keeping a brothel. The jury, in line with public opinion, refused to criminalise Ms Finch for working together with friends from her own home for safety. The jury of 8 men and 4 women was out for just an hour and a half and the verdict was unanimous.

The English Collective of Prostitutes, who supported Ms Finch in her case claim that ‘this malicious prosecution was motivated by a moral crusade and financial incentives for the police’.  The shocking behaviour of the police in this case, appears to verify the claim by the ECP that ‘since Proceeds of Crime legislation was introduced, police are able to keep any money resulting from raids’. This not guilty verdict greatly strengthens the case for sex work to be decriminalised so that women are able to work more safely together.

Ms Claire Finch was facing brothel keeping charges and a prison sentence because she prioritised safety by working with friends at her home. This prosecution is in line with New Labour’s prostitution strategy which is driving the sex industry underground and women into more danger.  It is not in the public interest.

Ms Finch said: “My main thing is safety. It’s not safe to work on your own. With two of us you had back up, you had camaraderie.” In order to ensure safety, Ms Finch worked in shifts with three other women.  There was never a time when one woman was left on her own.  Since she was raided Ms Finch has been forced to work alone.

On 19 November 2008, 20 uniformed police officers from Kempston Economic Crime Unit, kicked in Ms Finch’s front door and searched every room in the house including Ms Finch’s personal belongings, taking £700 from her purse that had been put aside to pay the mortgage.  Her laptop computer, mobile phone, driving licence and passport were also taken.  No receipt was given.

Since Proceeds of Crime legislation (reinforced by the Policing and Crime Act), raids and prosecutions against women working from premises have escalated.  Police and prosecutors have a vested interest: the police keep 25% of any assets confiscated both at the time and from subsequent prosecutions (50% in some areas); the Crown Prosecution Service keeps another 25%; and the Inland Revenue the rest.  Even if no one is charged, the money is rarely returned.  Women who have worked for years to put money aside lose not only their livelihood but their home, car, life savings, jewellery, etc.  This theft by law enforcement is the worst form of pimping. Read the rest of this entry »