A British landlord was charged with inciting prostitution and controlling prostitution for gain in what’s believed to be England’s first “sex for rent” case. Christopher Cox, 52, from Surrey was accused of asking women for sexual services in exchange for free rent, requesting everything from provocative photos to actual sexual acts, The Independent reports.
- Cox looked for vulnerable women on Craigslist. Between May and November 2018, Cox is accused of posting ads on Craigslist aimed at young, vulnerable, and homeless women offering free accommodation at his home in Cranleigh as long as they agreed to “cook, clean, do laundry, and possibly more.”
- He was actually pretty explicit about what he wanted. As Prosecutor Kimberly Grabban told Staines magistrates court, Cox made it clear that he expected the women to be open to performing bondage acts with him and allow him to tie them up. “[Cox] explained that in exchange for the room he wanted them to constantly be in bikinis and wanted to tie them up and play with them sexually. She would need to sleep in his bed every night, including bondage, spanking and BDSM,” Grabban explained, as per the Mirror Online.
- Police were only made aware of the alleged crimes when a victim came forward. An investigation by British TV network ITV uncovered a woman who claimed to have entered into a “sex for rent” agreement with Cox, at which point the Surrey Police were alerted. “The facts of this case relate to the ITV TV channel referring this matter to Surrey Police in 2019 before an episode of The Kyle Files involving the defendant,” Grabban said in court.
- Cox has pleaded not guilty. While appearing in court via video link on February 24, Cox pleaded not guilty to the charges against him for the count of controlling prostitution. In regards to the charges for inciting prostitution for gain, Cox declined to enter a plea. Cox has currently been released on unconditional bail after District Judge Julie Cooper sent the case to Guildford Crown Court. His next appearance is scheduled for March 25.
