Man charged in first ever 'sex for rent' case
In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, a man has been charged over ‘sex for rent’ allegations.
Christopher Cox, 52, from Cranleigh, in Surrey, is due to appear in court next month to face two counts of inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.
The charges are believed to be the first to be brought in England and Wales over allegations that rent-free accommodation has been offered in return for sex.
It follows the publication of revised Crown Prosecution Service legal guidance in January 2019, which was drafted to assist police and prosecutors considering sex-for-rent allegations.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Prodger said: “The charges arose out of an investigation by ITV researchers, passed to police in 2019, which resulted in further criminal inquiries. 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.”
Mr Cox is due to appear at North Surrey magistrates’ court on February 24.
