A RECEPTIONIST "turned a blind eye" as prostitutes had sex with customers at a Warrington massage parlour, a court heard on Wednesday.

Helen Ryan, aged 35, had taken out the lease on the premises in Church Street but didn't control the activities of the women based there, defence solicitor Allan Maidment told the town's magistrates court.

But prosecutor Dennis Tighe said Ryan confessed to operating the brothel for three years and told police she recruited prostitutes by placing adverts in newspapers.

Ryan, of Carisbrooke Road, Burnage, admitted keeping a brothel and was fined £1,200 with £35 costs. The court heard she was convicted of a similar offence at Newcastle-under-Lyme three years ago.

Mr Tighe said the property in question was being operated as a massage parlour at the time of the offence. Police raided the building and found the defendant sitting at a reception desk.

One prostitute was having sex with a customer in a cubicle and another woman and a man were stripped naked in another room.

Mr Maidment said his client had taken over the premises with two other partners, who she would not name, but was taking full responsibility for the offence. She was paid £150 a week for reception duties.

"It was a case of turning a blind eye to what went on. This lady was led into the activity. She was never made aware of any difficulties or complaints about these premises," he added.

The business, which operated as a massage parlour and gym, had now closed down and the defendant was now a receptionist at a garage, said Mr Maidment.

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