AN ATTEMPT to issue an Ipswich prostitute with criminal anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) has failed after a solicitor described it as “a social and political hot potato”.

AN ATTEMPT to issue an Ipswich prostitute with criminal anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) has failed after a solicitor described it as “a social and political hot potato”.

Sarah Grimwood, of Wilberforce Street, Ipswich, appeared before magistrates in the town and admitted two charges of soliciting.

The 24-year-old was caught by police on November 18 last year when she was seen loitering in Portman Road.

She got into a Volkswagen Golf but was stopped by police and admitted soliciting.

Grimwood was caught again eight days later at the junction of Burlington Road and Handford Road as she got into a Mazda.

Sandra Dyer, prosecuting, said: “I think the concern is it is a residential area and obviously causes concern to members of public but more importantly to the residents who live there.

“I am asking for a Crasbo for her not to visit the area encircled by London Road, Portman Road, West End Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way.”

But Ian Duckworth, mitigating, persuaded magistrates against issuing a Crasbo.

He said: “I would call this a social and political hot potato.

“You are trying to deal with a social situation, a social ill some might say, within a criminal court.

“You have a non imprisonable offence which you are asking to be dealt with with a Crasbo with a five year prison sentence if it is breached.”

Mr Duckworth argued that a Crasbo could simply move the problem to another area.

Magistrates ruled in favour of Mr Duckworth, saying they would give Grimwood one last chance as she did not have a long list of offences.

She was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £20.

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