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Man charged in UK’s first ever ‘sex for rent’ case
A 52-year old man has been charged over ‘sex for rent’ allegations in the first case of its kind in the UK.
Christopher Cox of Cranleigh, Surrey has been charged with two counts of inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.
The charges follow an investigation by ITV researchers that was brought to the police in 2019.
It is believed that these are the first charges brought for this type of allegation in England and Wales.
Surrey Police were authorised to charge Mr Cox by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make an independent assessment about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider. In no way is the CPS assessment a finding of guilt.
Mr Cox will make his first court appearance at North East Surrey Magistrates’ Court on 24 February.
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The charges follow the publication of revised legal guidance from the CPS in January 2019, which was drafted to assist police and prosecutors considering ‘sex for rent’ allegations.
The guidance states that there has been an increase in reports of advertisements posted on classified advertising websites where landlords offer accommodation in exchange for sex.
“Such arrangements can lead to the exploitation of highly vulnerable persons who are struggling to obtain accommodation,” the guidance states.
Senior crown prosecutor Claire Prodger said: “Following an investigation into so-called ‘sex for rent’ allegations, the CPS has authorised Surrey Police to charge Christopher Cox with two counts of inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.
“The charges arose out of an investigation by ITV researchers, passed to police in 2019, which resulted in further criminal enquiries.
“This is a complex case and we have reached the decision following a careful review of all the evidence gathered during this period.
“Criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
