Cases - Brothel Keepers

In this section we provide details of cases of sex workers convicted of brothel keeping in Ireland. Through media analysis we have identified 82 cases (involving 165 individuals) of sex workers convicted of brothel keeping from 2009 to 2018. This should not be considered a representative sample of all persons convicted of brothel keeping. This research does however show that sex workers are frequently criminalised under brothel keeping laws and it also provides considerable insight into the circumstances of these prosecutions. See Analysis for a summary of the key findings.

A Polish Woman and a Spanish Woman

Two women pleaded guilty to brothel keeping in Knockvicar, Co. Roscommon in 2010. The court heard the women, one Spanish and the other Polish, rented a house and advertised their services on an escort website. Neighbours became suspicious and reported [...]

A Portuguese Woman and a Spanish Woman

A Spanish woman and a Portuguese woman appeared in court following a raid on their apartment in Sligo. The raid was prompted by an anonymous tip-off that the sexual services of a 13-year-old girl were for sale. The tip turned [...]

Adina C. and Elena D.

Adina C. (22) and Elena D. (23), both Romanian nationals, were arrested by Gardaí in their apartment in Cavan on 22 September 2012. The court heard that Elena D., who it was said was suffering financially and awaiting money to [...]

Adriana C. and Carmen C.

Adriana C. (25) and Carmen C. (22), both Romanian nationals, were charged with running a brothel at an address in Cavan. Their solicitor and a Garda witness agreed their families in Romania were destitute and they'd come to Ireland to [...]

Adriane N., Elena F. and Giorgiana C.

Adriane N. (38), Elena F. (35) and Giorgiana C. (34), all Romanian nationals, were arrested at their apartment in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 27 November 2016 following a week-long undercover investigation. Also arrested at the apartment was Giorgiana C.'s brother, [...]

Adrina P. and Ana T.

Adrina P. (25) and Ana T. (20), both Romanian nationals, were charged with brothel keeping at an address in Newbridge, Co. Kildare on 22 November 2018. It was reported that this case came about as a result of an “Operation [...]

Alina A., Ivana B. and Michaela R.

Alina A. (23), Ivana B. (20) and Michaela R. (20), all Romanian nationals, pleaded guilty to brothel keeping at their home address in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan. A Garda witness said they admitted using the apartment for prostitution. The judge complemented [...]