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Brothel manager escapes jail term Brothel manager escapes jail term
(about 2 hours later)
A woman who ran four brothels has escaped a jail term after a judge ruled that "no-one was harmed".A woman who ran four brothels has escaped a jail term after a judge ruled that "no-one was harmed".
Diane Jones, 45, was given a suspended sentence after admitting running three Cardiff vice-dens and one in Swindon. Diane Jones, 45, was given a suspended sentence after admitting running three Cardiff vice dens and one in Swindon.
But Judge John Curran told Cardiff Crown Court: "The real evil being looked at here is where prostitutes are coerced, threatened or trafficked.But Judge John Curran told Cardiff Crown Court: "The real evil being looked at here is where prostitutes are coerced, threatened or trafficked.
"That is not a feature in this unusual case. No one has suffered any physical or psychological damage," he said."That is not a feature in this unusual case. No one has suffered any physical or psychological damage," he said.
Jones, from Llangain in Carmarthenshire, who also admitted concealing criminal property, was handed a 12 -month prison sentence, suspended for two years.Jones, from Llangain in Carmarthenshire, who also admitted concealing criminal property, was handed a 12 -month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
The brothel manager was arrested following an investigation focusing on young women from eastern Europe being forced into the sex trade in Britain.The brothel manager was arrested following an investigation focusing on young women from eastern Europe being forced into the sex trade in Britain.
Some members of the police force were aware of what Diana Jones was doing Judge John CurranSome members of the police force were aware of what Diana Jones was doing Judge John Curran
But sentencing Jones, Judge Curran told the court that this was not a feature in this case, and that police were well aware of what went on in her massage parlours.But sentencing Jones, Judge Curran told the court that this was not a feature in this case, and that police were well aware of what went on in her massage parlours.
"Police officers regularly visited these establishments to check whether under-age girls were employed or if there was any drug use," the judge said."Police officers regularly visited these establishments to check whether under-age girls were employed or if there was any drug use," the judge said.
"And on occasion, people working at these establishments were a source of intelligence. Some members of the police force were aware of what Diana Jones was doing.""And on occasion, people working at these establishments were a source of intelligence. Some members of the police force were aware of what Diana Jones was doing."
Despite escaping a jail term, Jones will still face a proceeds of crime hearing in the spring, when she may be forced to hand over profits from the brothels.Despite escaping a jail term, Jones will still face a proceeds of crime hearing in the spring, when she may be forced to hand over profits from the brothels.
Diane Jones's brothels The Ambassador Health Suite in CardiffTwice as Nice in CardiffHeaven which was also known as The Health Studio and Bay Fitness Centre in CardiffSt Tropez in SwindonDiane Jones's brothels The Ambassador Health Suite in CardiffTwice as Nice in CardiffHeaven which was also known as The Health Studio and Bay Fitness Centre in CardiffSt Tropez in Swindon
Four other women - described in court as her "subordinates" were also sentenced.Four other women - described in court as her "subordinates" were also sentenced.
Alison Sutherland, 48, of Caerau, Maesteg; Allison Blight, 39, of Sarn, Bridgend; and Laura Lloyd, 27, of Pontyclun, Pontypridd, all admitted assisting in managing a brothel. They were given four month prison sentences, suspended for two years.Alison Sutherland, 48, of Caerau, Maesteg; Allison Blight, 39, of Sarn, Bridgend; and Laura Lloyd, 27, of Pontyclun, Pontypridd, all admitted assisting in managing a brothel. They were given four month prison sentences, suspended for two years.
Anne Phillips, 62, of Sarn, Bridgend, admitted possessing criminal property and was also given a four month suspended sentence.Anne Phillips, 62, of Sarn, Bridgend, admitted possessing criminal property and was also given a four month suspended sentence.