Sex worker reveals what life is like working in London brothel run by ex-police officer

'My choice': Sex worker Louise wants to tackle the stigma around her job
BBC
Tom Powell17 April 2018

A sex worker at a London brothel run by an ex-police officer has opened up about her life, stating: “I only do this kind of work because I choose to”.

The brothel, in a two-bedroom flat in central London, was the subject of a report by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme.

Its owner, a former detective, told the programme police are choosing to allow some brothels to operate if they offer a safe environment for their workers.

One sex worker, called Louise, who has a diploma in marine biology, said she wants to challenge the stigma around sex work.

"I don't want people to think I'm on drugs or that I've been forced or coerced or trafficked,” she said.

"I'm just here as a normal person who wants to make money, secure a future for myself and do this kind of work because I choose to."

Sex worker Louise appeared on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire show

She revealed she sees eight or nine clients on a busy day, with each charged £70 per half hour. The women take £45 from that and £25 goes to the brothel. Photos of the workers are posted on social media in a bid to attract clients.

There are two bedrooms in the flat and both reportedly have cream walls, grey bedding and silk cushions.

Louise added: "If I'm on my own - which is what the law allows me to do - I'm at the mercy of whichever client decides to come in.

"A client can come in, rape me, beat me, mug me.

"If I work in a brothel where there's other women present, where there's a receptionist, it's a million times safer."

It is illegal to operate brothels in England and Wales, although it is not illegal to buy and sell sex.

The owner, referred to as Karl, said he is happy breaking the law because he does not agree with it.

"If they close us down, I could go to prison," he said.

"But then there's 15 to 20 girls who've got to find somewhere to work."

Karl, who was been in the business for 15 years after leaving the police, added: "We don't allow drugs, no under-age girls. We check everyone's passports.

"If we've got any doubts that they're not there under their own free will, we will call the police."

Karl and Louise, who both pay tax on their earnings, agreed that brothels should be legalised.

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for prostitution and sex working, Assistant Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic, told the BBC: "Officers will now consider a range of factors, including the safety of those sex workers involved, before deciding on whether prosecution is the most appropriate response to an offence.

"Enforcement alone has proven to be an inadequate response to prostitution."

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