Jail for woman who helped run brothel

A woman who helped run a brothel in the Black Country and kept three prostitutes in "an atmosphere of fear" has been jailed for 16 months.

Verginica Niculina, aged 25, subjected the women to a "degrading ordeal" by making them work as prostitutes in Unett Street, Smethwick, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard. Mr John Attwood, prosecuting, said Niculina teamed up with a fellow Romanian national who had also arrived in the country in December last year.

The three women, also Romanian, were only allowed outside when with Niculina to ensure they did not escape. Police were alerted to the brothel by family of the girls in Romania and executed a search warrant on February 5.

Mother of two Niculina admitted two counts of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.

Mr Attwood said: "All three females, one of whom was 19 at the time of the offence, were found at the address in Smethwick when police arrived.

"One of them had swollen cheeks and scratches to her face, and said they had been victims of violence and were forced to work as prostitutes. All three had lived in an atmosphere of fear.

"Niculina played her part and accompanied the ladies when they went outside."

All three prostitutes were said to make between £200 and £300 a day but did not get to keep any of the money.

Niculina told police she had to work as a prostitute herself, and that she was not the boss of the brothel.

Mr Gurdeep Garcha, defending, said: "It is clear she was a follower in all this, rather than the leader. But she has spent the last seven months in custody and realises the pain she has caused."

Jailing Niculina for 16 months Judge Jonathan Gosling said: "You played an important part by persuading them to take part and accompanied them out to stop them escaping."

The house is opposite a park and children's play area.A hand-drawn To Let sign was in the window of the property today, which has remained empty for months said neighbours.

A resident who did not wish to be named said he was not aware of any strange goings on. It was "a shock" to find it was a brothel.