Birmingham Businessman Sentenced for Violent Attack on Sex Worker
A Birmingham businessman has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after a violent attack on a sex worker that involved a baseball bat and rape. Simon Tang, a 56-year-old married father, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court following a trial that exposed his double life.
The Terrifying Ordeal
In the early hours of May 5 last year, a sex worker operating in the Walsall area was approached by Tang in his red Mercedes. Recognizing him as a previous client, she agreed to a £20 transaction for sexual services. They drove to a car park near Blue Coat School before moving to a nearby alleyway.
The situation turned violent when Tang began performing acts they hadn't agreed upon. When the woman asked him to stop, he returned to his car and retrieved a baseball bat. He then beat her on the head and legs while ranting about being "taken advantage of" by sex workers.
"You are going to do what I tell you. You're going to finish the job," Tang told the terrified woman as he forced her to continue. He then raped her while resting the baseball bat on her back, creating what the victim described as a constant, haunting image.
The Aftermath and Investigation
Despite Tang asking if she would report him to police and receiving a "no" response, the victim bravely came forward. Officers arrested Tang at his Weoley Castle Road home later that day, where they recovered the baseball bat from his car boot.
During police interviews, Tang gave what the court would later describe as a "ridiculous" account, claiming he produced the bat to get his money back and struck the woman in self-defense. His phone was seized, revealing dozens of videos of encounters with sex workers.
The victim suffered significant physical and psychological trauma. Her injuries were so severe she struggled with basic functions, experienced headaches and dizziness, and her anxiety "went through the roof." She returned to antidepressants and turned to alcohol in the aftermath.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Tang admitted assault and possessing an offensive weapon, but a jury found him guilty of two rape charges. His defense barrister, John O'Higgins, described the incident as "isolated" among hundreds of encounters with sex workers, citing Tang's sex addiction.
Judge Dean Kershaw was unequivocal in his assessment: "I am absolutely satisfied you hold strong misogynistic views about women, in particular sex workers. You felt entitled to get sex if you paid for it, not just in a transactional way but a much deeper way."
The judge noted that Tang had been using sex workers for about five years and disturbingly indicated to probation workers that he intended to use their services again in the future, saying he would be "more careful."
The Sentence
Tang was declared a dangerous offender and sentenced to nine years and six months in custody, of which he must serve two-thirds before release. He received an extended three-year licence period and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
Judge Kershaw highlighted the vulnerability of sex workers, stating they were "often the most vulnerable people" working out of necessity rather than choice. He concluded that Tang felt he "owned" his victim during the attack and showed "little interest in accepting blame."
The case revealed Tang's double life, with references describing him as a "man of strong principles" and a "great man" to those who knew him socially, while he secretly engaged in violent behavior toward sex workers.
