Judge Issues Stern Warning to Birmingham Brothel Owner
A man who admitted operating two brothels in Birmingham has been told by a judge that his hopes for a suspended sentence are unrealistic. Zhong Wang, 54, faces a significant prison term after his explanations for the illicit businesses were met with skepticism in court.
Arrest and Discovery of Evidence
Wang was arrested in Birmingham's Gay Village in June last year, where police found £4,500 in cash in his pocket. A search of his Mercedes revealed condoms, baby oil, brochures advertising sexual services, multiple SIM cards, and mobile phones. Further investigation led officers to his address at Golden Eagle Gardens in Erdington, where they uncovered information linking him to two businesses.
It was subsequently determined that Wang was running brothels from Rainbow Thai Spa on Gravelly Lane in Erdington and Thai Oriental Spa on Jockey Road in Sutton Coldfield. Wang pleaded guilty to two counts of keeping a brothel and one count of possessing criminal property.
Judge Buckingham Raises Multiple Concerns
During the sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Sarah Buckingham highlighted several inconsistencies in Wang's story. Despite submitting a 'basis of plea' asserting that he did not use violence, threats, or psychological abuse towards the women involved, nor coerced them into prostitution, the judge expressed doubts.
One major point of contention was the discovery of one woman's passport and another's identification documents at Wang's apartment. Judge Buckingham stated it was 'unlikely' someone would willingly be separated from such important items. Wang claimed he was trusted to hold them because the women moved frequently, but this explanation did not satisfy the court.
Questionable Documentation and Claims
The judge also challenged Wang's assertion that he opened the businesses as legitimate massage parlours and was not responsible for turning them into brothels. Additionally, documents submitted on his behalf, including a personal letter and character references from his wife and neighbours, were scrutinized.
Judge Buckingham noted that all these documents appeared to be in the same typeface and format, and none were signed. She remarked, "I would be rather naive to accept them in that way. There is nothing to suggest they are genuine." She further requested written evidence to prove Wang's claim of working at a Genting Casino in Birmingham, emphasizing, "I'm sorry to sound cynical. Maybe it has been assumed it has been accepted but I'm not going to accept anything without evidence."
Details of the Brothel Operations
Prosecutor Timothy Sapwell described how the women at the brothels were living on the premises, sleeping and eating there while offering sexual services for cash. When questioned, the women did not acknowledge knowing Wang and provided rehearsed answers. Locals reported frequent comings and goings at the businesses, with one location notably close to a children's music school.
Wang was arrested while parked on Gooch Street North in the Gay Village. He claimed the £4,500 found on him was intended for buying a car but could not provide proof of withdrawal from a bank. Police confirmed he held leases for both brothel operations.
Sentencing Adjourned with Clear Warning
Defence barrister Piarra Singh confirmed that Wang did not wish to give evidence regarding some of his claims, relying instead on the submitted documents in hopes of receiving a sentence of two years or less, which could be suspended. However, Judge Buckingham adjourned the case until March 5, delivering a stark warning: "If I was to sentence today he wouldn't come close to suspended sentence territory."
This case underscores the serious legal consequences for those involved in running illegal brothels in Birmingham, with the court taking a firm stance against such activities.
