A MAN and woman have denied their involvement in the running of a brothel in Orford.

Andrada Barbieru, 21, and Marian Curteanu, 39, of Amelia Street, appeared before Warrington Magistrates' Court today, Monday, where they indicated a not guilty plea to arranging the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, controlling prostitution for gain and keeping a brothel for prostitution.

The court heard how the two defendants were detained on February 10 at around 12pm following a raid at a property on Amelia Street.

This is following an investigation by Cheshire Police into modern slavery and human trafficking.

It was reported how officers from Cheshire Constabulary arrived at the scene with a Romanian interpreter, Warrington Borough Council health workers and members of Warrington Social Services.

Following a search of the property, a large quantity of cash and condoms were discovered.

A number of mobile phones were also seized.

Barbieru and Curteanu were taken into custody to be questioned.

The victim was taken into the care of authorities where she has been helping police with their investigation. 

The two suspects were later charged with the offence.

Prosecutors allege the defendants helped to organise for the 20-year-old victim to travel to the UK from Romania in January after her marriage broke down and she was left homeless.

After arriving in the UK, it is alleged the victim worked as a prostitute but was not paid for her services despite agreeing a '50/50 cut', the court heard.

Barbieru and Curteanu denied their involvement during the hearing.

Both defendants were remanded in custody to appear before Liverpool Crown Court via video link next month.