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.
N What do you think should be done about street prostitution? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
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