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Prostitute Lifts The Lid On Working In Brothel Run By Ex-Police Man

Prostitute Lifts The Lid On Working In Brothel Run By Ex-Police Man

Louise works in a British brothel operated by an ex-police detective in a two-bed flat with receptionist and kitchen stocked with 'supplies'

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

A British prostitute has opened up on what it's like to work in one of the brothels operating illegally across the country.

Louise, who has a diploma in marine biology, works in a brothel run by an ex-police detective called Karl from a two-bedroom Victorian flat in the south-east of England.

BBC broadcaster, Victoria Derbyshire, was given exclusive access to the set-up for a short documentary that aired on her show this morning.

Footage showed how the brothel is operated as a professional business, complete with a receptionist and a booking system that avoids awkward run-ins between punters, reports the MailOnline.

Prostitution is not wholly illegal in the UK but many activities surrounding it are, including keeping or managing a brothel.

But 45-year-old Karl, a father-of-one, claims he operates in full knowledge of local authorities, including the police, because he runs a 'tight ship'.

Speaking candidly to Derbyshire, Louise explained how she turned to prostitution after trying a string of 'normal' jobs to try and pay back thousands in student debt.

BBC/Victoria Derbyshire

She said: "There is a really negative stereotype within society that makes people think women are doing this [prostitution] because they are funding a drug habit. Or are being coerced.

"I enjoy this kind of work. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't want to."

Louise, who can have eight or nine 'appointments' on a busy day, initially did 'out calls', where she visited clients at home or in other locations, but found herself worrying about her safety and keeping 'one eye on the exit'.

She added: "It might not have been clean. It might not be the safest place because you don't know who else is there."

Karl's brothel offers a clean, monitored environment where punters are screened on their way in.

BBC/Victoria Derbyshire

Clients can book in for 30 minute, 45 minute or hour long 'sessions'. They are charged £70 for each half hour.

Of that the women take £45 and £25 goes to the brothel. There are usually three women working at any one time.

Louise continued: "It's sex that's transactional behaviour. And that's my job. It's not sex with a boyfriend, or with a husband. This is work.

"I choose to do it because I want money and I want to earn a good wage.

"I think it's difficult for women to make money at a young age. I want to be financially secure and independent."

The receptionist makes sure any awkward encounters are avoided between the punters. A shower and clean towels are available to both the woman and their client.

The women also have access to a kitchen stocked with all the 'essentials' for such a service, including skin wipes, oils and disposable bags for used condoms.

BBC/Victoria Derbyshire

Speaking to Derbyshire, Karl explained that the customers have changed in the 15 years since he started the business.

He said: "Clients were probably 40 plus, the sort of client you might expect. Now there is no stereotype. They can be 18 to 80."

Karl added that he also does not allow drugs or alcohol and is prepared to act if he believes one of the women has been trafficked or is being placed under duress.

Victoria Derbyshire with Karl.
BBC/Victoria Derbyshire

He revealed that in the time he has been running the brothel he has twice phoned the police to report women who he believed to be at risk.

Asked about his relationship with the police, Karl added: "We've got a good working relationship with police... They know we run a tight ship."

Featured Image Credit: BBC/Victoria Derbyshire

Topics: TV and Film, Interesting, Community, UK