A Sandwell councillor who sold a woman for sex over the internet has escaped being handed a jail sentence. Alan Burkitt made £1,370, acting as a pimp to pay off his debts.
He admitted four charges of causing or inciting prostitution.
Sentencing him to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, recorder William Andrea-Jones QC told him: “The background to this case is that you were in financially difficulties and saw this as a possible way out.
“You forced her to do this. You allowed her to be misused rather than protect her.”
He said that the 47-year old former Tory deputy leader avoided jail only because of his previous good character and earlier guilty pleas.
Members of the woman’s family wept in the public gallery as the sentence was announced yesterday.
Mr Andrea-Jones said her victim impact statements made distressing reading. However, he had also taken into account various letters in Burkitt’s support.
Burkitt charged 19 punters £50 each to have sex with the woman at the flat they shared. He spent the money on mortgage arrears.
Afterwards Burkitt, of Milton Street, West Bromwich spoke of his relief. He said: “I realise I’m a lucky man today. I have let down my constituents and caused distress to the woman involved and her family, and for that I apologise.”
Sandwell Council was expected to make a decision on Burkitt’s future as a councillor representing the Charlemont and Grove Vale ward.
3 Comments
What a disgrace - how dare he have the nerve to call himself a Councillor….we all have debts and problems but not all of us turn to prostitution and pimping!
He is not a very good representative of Sanbdwell or a good example to his constituents.
I hope he loses everything he’s got - go out and get a real job like the rest of us.
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It is not everyday you get a slap on the wrist for pimping. I wonder what sentence gets given out to the “pimp” that appears in the dock before or after Mr. Burkitt. This supposed pillar of the community, has commited, repeatedly actions that are not jut criminally wrong, but morally wrong on so many levels. Is it any wonder the family of the woman wept as the sentance was handed out, I expect they too felt that the punishment didn’t fit the crime.
The 19+ “punters” - they should be named - is it not right and decent that people in the community need to be aware of the people that are so willing to take advantage of people less fortunate themelves for self gratification and money ?
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I am horrified that this man has walked away without jail time. His previous “good ” character should have gone against him in this case as a man in his position really should have known better. And what is the attraction for a man like him of an 8 year relationship with a lady with learning difficulties. I am sure she is a lovely person but still….Perhaps to have someone so malleable to his will?Maybe there is more to come?He appears to have no remorse for the act, only for the detrimental effect on himself. I hope this dogs him all his days and ,yes, get a job!
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