Suspended sentence for keeping brothel in Cavan
A 33-year-old Ecuadorian national was given a six months suspended prison sentence by Judge Sean MacBride, at Cavan District Court, for keeping a brothel in Cavan.
The defendant, Xavier Salazar Valencia, was charged with keeping the brothel at an address at Stonebridge Court, Railway Road, Cavan, on June 10, 2011.
Sergeant James Fraher said that when Gardai searched the apartment on foot of a warrant they found the defendant entertaining a male companion. On further examination they found paraphernalia which could lend credence to the belief that the premises were being used for sexual purposes. They also found four mobile phones and £111 sterling. A gentleman admitted paying €80 for the privilege of being on the premises.
Sergeant Fraher said that the defendant came by invitation to Cavan Garda station where he was interviewed and made a full and frank statement about the activities in the apartment. He was an Ecuadorian national who resided in Spain for a number of years and has been in Ireland since 2011.
Sergeant Fraher agreed with Ms Breege Mimnagh, solicitor, defending, that Senor Valencia co-operated fully with the Gardai.
Ms Mimnagh said that her client apologised fully for his actions and didn't know that they were illegal in Ireland. He studied at university in Ecuador where he obtained a degree in Business Studies. He came to Spain to make money and set up a clothing business with friends. However, he ended up owing a lot of personal debt and came to Ireland where it was recommended that he should go into the area of massage. He foolishly got involved with a company on the internet and thought that it was legal.
Sergeant Fraher said that a total of €1,300 was found in the apartment and Judge MacBride directed that this money be paid over to three charities. He then imposed the suspended sentence on the defendant. At Sergeant Fraher's request the judge also ordered the destruction of four mobile phones, four notebooks, 15 sim cards and an array of other commodities.
The defendant's present address was stated to be in North King Street, Dublin, 7.
