Agency Glasgow City Escorts

The Scottish Government’s recent push to partner with Azalea, a controversial English charity, as a key advisor on sex work policy has rightly sparked widespread criticism. This decision, pressuring councils to collaborate with a group whose leadership believes in demon possession and exorcisms for sex workers, demonstrates a shocking disconnect from reality and a dangerous disregard for sex worker welfare. Azalea’s leadership promotes extreme and antiquated views, labeling sex work as a “gateway” to lesbianism and occult practices, beliefs that undermine the essential dignity and autonomy of the individuals they claim to help. The Government’s endorsement of Azalea disregards the voices of actual sex workers and organizations, such as National Ugly Mugs, that are committed to their safety and human rights.

In February, Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown announced plans for new regional "commercial sexual exploitation hubs" meant to provide safe exit strategies for women in prostitution and to reduce demand for these services. However, the strategy’s heavy reliance on Azalea’s support services has faced backlash. The Government has ignored local opposition, including from Glasgow City Council, chosen to pilot the program, which has categorically refused to participate. They cited Azalea's involvement as “dangerous” and highlighted the lack of clarity on essential elements like governance, funding, accountability, and timeline. These gaps reveal not just poor planning but also a refusal to listen to those on the ground who are knowledgeable about the complex realities of sex work and the support required.

Azalea’s CEO, Ruth Robb, and co-author Marion Carson espouse disturbing views in guidebooks meant to direct Christian outreach to sex workers. They openly describe yoga and popular games like Dungeons & Dragons as “occult practices” that supposedly open individuals to demonic possession, asserting that many sex workers are under “demonic influence.” This type of belief system is not only offensive but dangerously unfit as a foundation for public policy. Even more concerning, Robb encourages her staff to consider breaching confidentiality if they believe it would "bring glory to God," and shows outright disdain for the personal privacy rights of sex workers. Such reckless disregard for ethical standards raises serious questions about the credibility and judgment of any government that would align itself with such an organization.

Furthermore, Azalea’s views on sexuality are starkly homophobic and out of touch, implying that female sex workers are “drawn into” lesbianism and that lesbian relationships are inherently frustrating because of a “natural” desire for male protection. They similarly propagate harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals, reducing them to derogatory caricatures and claiming they are more prone to violence. The idea that such views could inform policy on any marginalized group is profoundly concerning.

This collaboration between the Scottish Government and Azalea is not just misguided; it’s a disservice to Scotland's values and to the well-being of those it purports to support. National Ugly Mugs’ CEO, Dr. Raven Bowen, has rightly condemned this partnership as “hocus-pocus nonsense,” highlighting how these policies have no basis in evidence and reflect an alliance with regressive religious ideologies rather than a commitment to rights and safety. This approach is in stark contrast to the evidence-backed recommendations from respected organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which advocate for the decriminalization and protection of sex workers. The Scottish public largely opposes these regressive measures and has repeatedly called for real, compassionate support that prioritizes the safety and welfare of sex workers. Instead, the Scottish Government’s alliance with Azalea undermines progress, promotes intolerance, and puts already vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

Ministers are being urged to abandon their "extremist" proposals to overhaul prostitution laws after a new poll revealed that the majority of Scots oppose the SNP Government’s stance on decriminalising the selling of sex.

The Government's plan, which would criminalise the buying of sex, follows the Nordic model. This model is already implemented in countries like Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, France, and parts of the US and is being considered for Scotland. However, a YouGov poll conducted for the charity National Ugly Mugs indicates that the majority of Scots are against these proposals.

According to the poll, only 13 percent of Scots support the Nordic model, and only 32 percent believe that paying someone for sex should be illegal, compared to 47 percent who think it should be legalised. Furthermore, 62 percent oppose the Scottish Government’s declaration that “sex work always equals violence against women,” with only 13 percent supporting this notion.

Despite these findings, only 1 percent of adults think overhauling prostitution laws in Scotland should be a priority for the Scottish Government at this time.

Dr. Raven Bowen, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, stated: “This poll shows that Scots are opposed to the SNP’s extreme plans to criminalise the purchase of sex, which international evidence shows only serves to increase violence against sex workers by eliminating their revenue streams, making them desperate and destitute.

“It is now clear that mainstream Scottish voters side with charities, researchers, and international organisations such as Amnesty International, UN AIDS, and the World Health Organization in calling for a fundamentally different approach to regulating sex work that focuses on supporting sex workers’ rights and safety, and improving their quality of life and life chances.”

The SNP's manifesto commitments include banning pimping websites, which are currently legal and unregulated in Scotland. The poll suggests that 63 percent of Scots would prefer sex workers to advertise themselves online, compared to just 2 percent who think this should be done on the street. It also found that 45 percent of Scots believe two sex workers should be allowed to work together in the same premises, despite the risk of being charged under brothel-keeping legislation.

Dr. Bowen added: “Despite being the UK’s largest sex worker safety charity, supporting more sex workers through our NUMbrella Lane Glasgow hub than any other organisation in Scotland, the SNP has barred National Ugly Mugs from sitting on any Government-backed sex work policy groups.

“We now know that the Scottish public also overwhelmingly rejects this inaccurate and oversimplified notion, which is the basis for the government’s entire sex work policy agenda.”

The Scottish Greens support full decriminalisation and have stated they would vote against any SNP proposals to adopt the Nordic model in Scotland.

Nevertheless, the SNP government remains undeterred. A Government spokesman said: “Prostitution is a form of violence against women and girls and is completely unacceptable. Our recently published strategic approach to challenge men’s demand for prostitution outlines a number of actions to support the recovery and sustainable exit of those involved in prostitution, including the creation of a pilot programme for a new national hub.

“Lessons learned from the piloting of the strategy will help inform any future legislative considerations, including whether to criminalise the purchase of sex.”

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire’s comments reveal a profound misunderstanding of the complexities of sex work. She stated: “I absolutely agree that those involved in prostitution should not be stigmatised and that the conditions driving women into forced labour and survival sex need to be addressed. Women need safe routes out of prostitution.

“However, it is undeniable that the market trading in sexual access to women and girls contributes to those conditions, and any move to further legitimise that trade would only increase the abuse and harm caused. I’m clear that when presented with the reality of the industry, which harms so many, the majority of Scots will agree that it is sex buyers, pimping websites, and traffickers who should be criminalised, not the women they exploit.”

Maguire’s stance fails to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence showing that the Nordic model exacerbates the dangers faced by sex workers. By pushing sex work further underground, the Nordic model makes sex workers more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Rather than protecting women, this approach isolates them and strips them of their agency. The SNP must reconsider these harmful proposals and instead focus on policies that prioritize the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers.

In the ongoing discourse surrounding sex work legislation, the Green Party stands out for its commitment to progressive policies aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of sex workers. Maggie Chapman, the Scottish Greens spokesperson for justice, equality, and human rights, has been a vocal advocate for this cause, shedding light on the dangers inherent in approaches like that advocated by Ash Regan.

Chapman argues that Regan's approach faces opposition from sex worker rights groups, human rights organizations, and even the World Health Organization, and for good reason. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the devastating consequences of such policies, including alarming spikes in murder rates, instances of police abuse, social service exclusion, and sexual violence against sex workers in countries where similar measures were implemented.

At the heart of the matter lies the imperative to minimize the harm, marginalization, and exploitation endured by sex workers daily. Chapman asserts that Regan's approach not only fails to achieve this objective but worsens the plight faced by sex workers.

In response, Chapman and the Green Party advocate for a paradigm shift in how society approaches sex work, emphasizing harm reduction and the protection of sex workers' rights. They propose policies designed to empower and support individuals engaged in sex work, rather than subjecting them to further risks and vulnerabilities.

For those seeking meaningful change in this area, Chapman urges support for parties like the Greens or Liberals, whose platforms align with the principles of human rights, social justice, and the protection of marginalized communities. By voting for such progressive ideologies, individuals can contribute to creating a safer and fairer environment for sex workers and society as a whole.

Of the 585 reports of violence received by the charity (National Ugly Mugs)  in 2023, only 11% felt safe enough with support to make a full report to police and only 45% consented to provide anonymous intelligence.

“We all know that predators target sex workers because they can do so with impunity,” says Bowen. “Sex workers are rarely believed.”

She adds: “On Wednesday, while the police were apologising for their mishandling of Emma’s case, a sex worker was being raided for sharing working premises with others to keep women off the deadly streets at night. Working together from premises is a life-saving strategy but we criminalise this as brothel-keeping. This is part of why we support full decriminalisation.”

Police Scotland apologized for failures in handling the case of murdered sex worker Emma Caldwell and other victims of her killer, Iain Packer, in 2005. Packer, aged 51, was found guilty of Caldwell's murder and 11 charges of rape against nine women, among other offenses. The police acknowledged shortcomings in their investigation. Caldwell, 27, disappeared in Glasgow in April 2005, and her body was found the following month. Packer denied all charges but admitted to indecently assaulting Caldwell. He is expected to be sentenced soon.

Police Scotland has issued an apology to the family of Emma Caldwell, a murdered sex worker, and other victims of her killer, Iain Packer, acknowledging a failure in policing in 2005.

Packer, aged 51, was convicted on Wednesday of the murder of Miss Caldwell, aged 27, who disappeared in Glasgow on April 4, 2005. Her body was discovered the following month in Limefield Woods near Roberton, South Lanarkshire.

In addition to the murder charge, Packer was found guilty of 11 counts of rape involving nine women, among numerous other offenses, following a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Packer was initially questioned by police a month after Miss Caldwell’s body was discovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith of Police Scotland, in response to the conviction, expressed regret, stating, “Emma Caldwell, her family, and numerous other victims were let down by policing in 2005. For this, we offer our sincere apologies. A considerable number of women and girls, who displayed immense courage in coming forward during that time, also did not receive the justice and support they rightfully deserved from Strathclyde Police.”

Miss Caldwell vanished shortly after confiding in her mother Margaret about her aspirations to overcome a heroin addiction, which had developed following a family tragedy during her early 20s.

Coming from a tightly knit family, Miss Caldwell maintained regular contact with her parents, meeting them twice a week and speaking to them daily. Concern arose when she failed to respond to their attempts to rearrange a planned meeting, leading to her being reported missing.

Miss Caldwell’s body, bearing evidence of strangulation, was discovered by a dog walker in woodland on May 8, 2005.

During Packer’s trial, evidence was presented indicating a 97% match between soil samples collected from the site where Miss Caldwell’s body was found in 2021 and soil from Packer’s blue work van. Packer was subsequently charged by police in February 2022.

While denying all charges and accusing the women of falsehoods, Packer admitted to indecently assaulting Miss Caldwell. He expressed shame over his actions towards her and described his behavior towards other sex workers as "disgusting." However, he denied involvement in Miss Caldwell’s murder, asserting, “It wasn’t me who killed her. It wasn’t me. I didn’t do anything to her.”

Testimony from multiple women detailed Packer’s violent assaults on them.

Prosecutor Richard Goddard KC characterized Packer as a violent and obsessive user of sex workers with an unhealthy addiction to their services.

Packer was found guilty of 33 charges involving 21 women over a span of 26 years. Two charges of sexual assault and one of indecent assault were not proven.

The jury deliberated for four days before delivering their verdict.

Packer is expected to be sentenced later on Wednesday.

Accused of murdering a sex worker, Iain Packer confessed to police that he had taken her to the area where she was found dead multiple times. Packer, 50, provided a witness statement at Cathcart Police Station in 2007, after previously doing so in 2006. Detective David Barr, now retired, testified at the High Court in Glasgow, where Packer faces 46 charges related to the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005 and other crimes. Packer denied the charges, claiming innocence and asserting various defenses. He admitted to taking sex workers to Limefield woods for thrill and confessed to knowing Caldwell despite earlier denial. Packer described his encounters with Caldwell and admitted to using sex workers regularly, even taking out loans to support his habit. The trial is ongoing before Lord Beckett.

In a harrowing testimony, a woman has recalled a traumatic ordeal, alleging she was attacked in a van by the suspect linked to the Emma Caldwell murder case, describing the experience as a desperate flight for survival.

Appearing before the High Court in Glasgow, the woman, now in her 40s and a former sex worker, detailed an incident dating back to the early 2000s. She claimed to have been picked up by Iain Packer in Glasgow city center, where she alleges she was subjected to a terrifying assault, including being choked, until a security guard intervened, providing a fleeting opportunity for escape.

However, her attempt to seek assistance from law enforcement was met with indifference, exacerbating the trauma of the encounter. The witness, who was acquainted with Emma Caldwell and described her as "lovely," emphasized her familiarity with Packer, known for driving in the city's red-light district.

During questioning by prosecutor Richard Goddard KC, the woman recounted the distressing details of the assault, highlighting the violence and fear she experienced. Despite her efforts to resist, she claimed Packer continued to exert force, leaving her gasping for air until the intervention of the security guard.

However, her quest for justice was thwarted by what she described as a dismissive response from police officers, reflecting a troubling disregard for the safety and well-being of sex workers in the community at the time.

Defense counsel Ronnie Renucci attempted to cast doubt on the woman's testimony, suggesting mistaken identity regarding Packer's involvement. Yet, the witness remained steadfast in her assertion, maintaining that Packer was indeed the perpetrator of the assault.

The courtroom heard of the woman's interactions with police in subsequent years, notably in 2019, when she revisited the traumatic incident amid renewed interest in the Emma Caldwell case. Her recollections, previously unreported to authorities, resurfaced following engagement with a documentary team investigating Caldwell's murder.

A separate account from a former sex worker, now deceased, further implicated Packer in a separate incident involving the presentation of an imitation firearm and indecent assault, adding weight to the allegations against him.

As the trial unfolds before Judge Lord Beckett, the proceedings shed light on the pervasive dangers faced by vulnerable individuals in society and the imperative of seeking justice for victims of such heinous crimes. Packer continues to deny all charges, as the pursuit of truth and accountability presses on in the courtroom.

In a decisive blow against human trafficking, specialist officers apprehended Florea Sandu, 53, Florian Pietraru, 41, and Teodora Rotaru, 28, during a raid on a flat in Motherwell in April 2021. The arrests were a culmination of a meticulous investigation led by Police Scotland's Human Trafficking Unit.

Facing charges, the trio didn't contest their guilt, admitting their involvement in the illicit activities during a court appearance at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, November 17, 2023. Subsequently, they were handed their sentences on Tuesday, January 9, at the High Court in Kilmarnock.

Florea Sandu received a 30-month prison term, while Florian Pietraru was sentenced to 32 months, and Teodora Rotaru received 30 months behind bars.

The sentencing drew commendation from Police Scotland, with Detective Inspector Craig Faulds expressing satisfaction with the outcome. In a statement, he underscored the force's unwavering commitment to combating serious and organized crime, particularly those profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Faulds highlighted the insidious nature of human trafficking, stressing its profound and enduring impact on victims while perpetrators reap the benefits of their exploitative actions. He lauded the collaborative efforts of all involved in the intricate investigation and emphasized the importance of the conviction as a stern warning against such heinous exploitation.

Asserting Police Scotland's dedication to collaboration with partners in tackling human trafficking, Faulds emphasized the agency's steadfast focus on safeguarding at-risk individuals from falling prey to exploitation. The message was clear: human trafficking will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.

In a dramatic turn of events at the High Court in Glasgow, a sex worker has come forward to identify murder accused Iain Packer, 50, as a patron who allegedly wore black, silky women's underwear and treated women roughly. Packer is currently on trial for the 2005 murder of sex worker Emma Caldwell, among 46 charges, including sex crimes, abduction, and assault.

Packer vehemently denies all charges against him, putting forth special defences of incrimination, consent, defence of another, and self-defence. The court recently heard a statement from a sex worker who identified a picture of Packer in 2006, describing him as a stocky man with a Glaswegian accent who would drive around extensively before engaging in business in a small white van, displaying a reluctance to use protection.

The deceased woman, who gave the statement in 2015, accused Packer of being physically rough with her, grabbing her hair during encounters near Gallowgate, a week apart from each other. She detailed two indecent assaults between 1993 and 2004 near Tennent's Brewery in the east end of Glasgow, alleging Packer harbored fantasies involving wearing women's underwear and treating women roughly.

According to her statement, Packer once wore black, silky women's underwear during an encounter, stating, "He was obviously very focused on getting into his fantasies, which was wearing women’s underwear and treating women rough."

Another witness, a single mother who claimed to have been paid £30 for sex by Packer in 1998 or 1999, testified that she initially refused to assist the police due to fear. She later revealed in 2021 that Packer had allegedly raped her, stating she "didn’t consent to that at all" and confessed to lying to the police in 2006 out of fear.

A third woman, aged 44, testified that Packer held a kitchen knife against her chest during a harrowing ordeal in June and July 2006, describing "two weeks of hell." She claimed Packer made it difficult for her to leave and brandished a knife, but ultimately backed off when challenged.

Packer is facing charges of strangling Emma Caldwell with his hands and a cable in 2005, intending to rape her, assaulting her, compressing her wrists, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of her body and belongings. The trial, presided over by Judge Lord Beckett, continues with ongoing cross-examinations and testimonies.

Iain Packer, the accused in a murder trial at the High Court in Glasgow, allegedly attempted to strangle a woman and threatened a child who accused him of sexual abuse, according to court testimony.

Packer, aged 50, faces multiple charges, including the murder of Emma Caldwell in 2005 and various sex crimes, abduction, and assault. He denies all charges and has asserted special defences, including incrimination, consent, defense of another, and self-defence.

During the trial, a 48-year-old woman testified anonymously, claiming that Packer sexually abused her between July 1990 and October 1992, starting when she was 14. She accused Packer of attempting rape during their first meeting and repeatedly molesting her afterward. The witness stated feeling vulnerable due to Packer's size compared to her own petite stature. Despite reporting the abuse to her mother, she alleged facing threats and intimidation from Packer and his family.

Another witness, also anonymous, testified that Packer subjected her to physical and sexual violence between 1991 and 1996. She claimed Packer would rape her weekly and described an incident where he attempted to strangle her with a vacuum cleaner cord. This witness also accused Packer of running up debts through spending on prostitutes, gambling, and drugs.

Both witnesses provided statements to the police in 2006 and 2015. Packer's lawyer challenged the credibility of their claims during cross-examination.

Packer is specifically charged with strangling Emma Caldwell and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of her body and belongings. The trial continues before Judge Lord Beckett.

Nearly two decades after the tragic murder of Emma Caldwell, the accused, Iain Packer, is now on trial for the heinous crime. Packer is charged with strangling Ms. Caldwell, with the alleged intent to rape her, leading to her murder in Limefield Woods, Biggar, on April 5, 2005.

Iain Packer, aged 50, is confronting a total of 46 charges related to 27 women and four males, spanning from 1990 to 2016. The charges encompass 11 alleged rapes, as well as accusations of assault, abduction, sexual assault, and indecent assault. Packer vehemently denies all charges brought against him.

The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, January 16, at the High Court in Glasgow, is anticipated to extend over approximately seven weeks. The jury, sworn in for the proceedings, will scrutinize the evidence presented against Packer.

Emma Caldwell, a 27-year-old sex worker at the time, was last seen at a Glasgow hostel on London Road between 12:30 am and 1:30 am on April 5, 2005. Her lifeless body was discovered in South Lanarkshire woodland around five weeks later, on May 8. Notably, Limefield Woods is implicated in several of the alleged crimes Packer is accused of committing against women.

Among the charges is an accusation of lewd or libidinous practice towards a girl aged 14 or 15 at the time. Additionally, three men and one boy, aged 15 at the time, are listed as victims of alleged assaults in the charges against Packer.

The trial, presided over by Lord Beckett, is ongoing, with the legal process delving into the details surrounding Emma Caldwell's tragic murder and the multitude of charges brought against Iain Packer.

Police Scotland is set to enlist the support of officers from Romania as part of an initiative aimed at aiding women who have fallen victim to sex trafficking.

The initiative has received backing from the Home Office and the Romanian Embassy in London, which will facilitate the temporary deployment of two Romanian officers for a six-month period, commencing on January 8.

This development follows a significant inquiry into the exploitation of Romanian women in the UK, revealing the operation of a profitable sex-for-hire establishment in Motherwell.

Earlier reports highlighted the incarceration of a group of Romanian individuals involved in this illicit operation, awaiting sentencing in the upcoming year.

In an update provided to the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland emphasized, "There is a notable issue of under-reporting regarding the trafficking and sexual exploitation of Romanian females in Scotland, resulting in numerous potentially vulnerable individuals refraining from engaging with law enforcement and other relevant authorities."

Law enforcement officers are optimistic that the temporary placement of Romanian personnel will foster an environment where Romanian nationals feel more at ease approaching authorities to report instances of trafficking.

The agreement to bring these officers to Scotland was solidified subsequent to a visit by Romanian diplomats to the Police Scotland crime campus in Lanarkshire during September.

Recruitment efforts to select the two officers for this mission are currently in progress in Romania.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland further elucidated, stating, "This initiative aims to encourage increased reporting of trafficking cases involving Romanian nationals, offering culturally sensitive information on their rights and addressing exploitation. Our goal is to support survivors in their journey toward recovery and empower them to step forward and report instances of exploitation."

Hold onto your hats, folks, because the bedroom battlefield has been riddled with danger – and it's not just due to the high stakes of pleasure-seeking endeavors. In a startling revelation, a daring doctor has sounded the alarm bells on the most treacherous sex position, backed by alarming statistics and cautionary tales that'll make you rethink your next move between the sheets.

Picture this: an innocent romp taking a catastrophic turn, leading straight to the emergency room. Dr. Raj, our fearless guide through the perilous labyrinth of lovemaking, has pinpointed a particular position as the villain behind a whopping 50% of penile fractures. Brace yourselves, thrill-seekers, for it's none other than the notorious 'Reverse Cowgirl.'

But what's the deal with this seemingly innocuous position, you ask? According to medical experts, it's a perilous dance where one wrong move could leave the male member squashed by the female pelvic bone. Yes, you read that right – a squashed sausage scenario. It turns out penises, despite their boneless nature, can indeed suffer fractures. The culprit? A tear in the tunica albuginea, the penile tissue responsible for those impressive erections.

In a twist that'll leave you both bewildered and cautious, a study from 2014 corroborates this danger, singling out 'woman on top' positions as the chief antagonist. That's right, folks, it's not just Reverse Cowgirl – the regular Cowgirl and even the infamous Doggy Style have made it to the 'danger zone.'

And if you thought recognizing a penile fracture was like solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded, think again. Symptoms include excruciating pain, alarming sounds akin to 'cracking,' swelling, and even a curious change in color – all potentially leading to a permanent reshaping or the inability to rise to the occasion in the future. Talk about a nightmare!

So, as we bid adieu to this year and embrace the new one, perhaps it's time for some safer sex resolutions. Or maybe, just maybe, taking a leaf out of Mother Nature's book and exploring 'erotic' relationships with trees might be the unexpected, but safer, way to go. Merry Christmas and a 'penis-safe' New Year, everyone!

Iain Packer, the accused in the case involving the tragic demise of 27-year-old Emma Caldwell in 2005, is scheduled to undergo an additional preliminary hearing within the precincts of the High Court in Glasgow.

Mr. Packer, aged 50, stands charged with the grievous offense of assaulting Ms. Caldwell with the intent to commit rape, subsequently culminating in her murder within the bounds of Limefield Woods in Biggar, South Lanarkshire.

The accused has vehemently denied all allegations, encompassing a total of 46 charges that are purported to have occurred between the years 1990 and 2016.

Iain Packer's impending appearance in court is scheduled for Monday, the 13th of November.

The last known sighting of Ms. Caldwell was between the hours of 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on April 5, 2005, along London Road in Glasgow. Distressingly, her family reported her missing five days thereafter.

The lifeless body of the 27-year-old victim, who had been engaged in sex work in the city, was tragically discovered within the confines of woods near Roberton, in close proximity to Biggar, South Lanarkshire, on May 8, 2005.

Moreover, the prosecution has leveled additional charges against Mr. Packer for his alleged endeavors to obstruct the course of justice by disposing of Ms. Caldwell's unclothed remains and belongings through means undisclosed to the prosecution.

In a preceding court appearance conducted in August, legal representatives acting on behalf of the accused interposed special defenses, asserting self-defense and incrimination.

An extensive 11-week trial has already been slated for commencement in January 2024, signifying the gravity and complexity of the impending legal proceedings.

Former candidate for leadership within the Scottish National Party (SNP), Ash Regan, has embarked on an initiative known as the "Unbuyable" campaign, with the primary objective of establishing a legal prohibition on the transactional aspect of sexual services. Regan, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and previously a minister responsible for community safety, seeks to curtail the practice of purchasing sexual services throughout Scotland.

At present, Scotland's legal framework criminalizes certain activities linked to prostitution, including "kerb crawling," public solicitation, and the operation of brothels. Nevertheless, the act of selling and buying sexual services remains permissible, including the operation of online platforms facilitating such transactions. Regan's "Unbuyable" campaign, hosted on Unbuyable.org, endeavors to instate fresh legislation that would criminalize the act of purchasing sexual services.

In her statement to The National, Regan elucidated the campaign's broader mission, characterizing it as a "clarion call" aimed at eradicating the systemic exploitation of women and girls in Scotland. The campaign seeks to foster a society where the sanctity of human dignity is inviolable and where women and girls are not subjected to commodification. Regan aspires to transform this vision into a tangible reality with the support of the public.

The Unbuyable website further underscores the campaign's purpose, emphasizing the imperative for society to confront an unsettling verity: that the purchase of sexual services is far from victimless, entailing enduring scars of exploitation. Regan's mission is unequivocal: to bring an end to this practice in Scotland, affirming that human dignity is not a tradable commodity. This mission envisions a Scotland where every individual becomes truly "Unbuyable."

While the Scottish Government's 2021-2022 Programme for Government (PfG) included a commitment to formulate an effective strategy addressing the demand for prostitution among men, this commitment appears to have been omitted from the subsequent two annual programs for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. In 2022, Dr. Jacci Stoyle, the secretary of the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation, pointed out that Sweden had, since 1999, enacted legislation criminalizing the purchase of sexual services. This Swedish approach, commonly referred to as the "Nordic Model," has witnessed a noteworthy shift in societal attitudes, with a mere 0.29 percent of men in Sweden reportedly engaging in the purchase of sexual services, in stark contrast to approximately 10 percent of men in the United Kingdom who admit to such behavior.

Several advocacy organizations in Scotland, including Tara (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance), the Encompass Network, Routes Out, and Survivors of Human Trafficking, have previously advocated for the Scottish Government to follow Sweden's example. The organization Zero Tolerance, dedicated to ending male violence against women, also articulated concerns about the existing legal framework in Scotland. In a 2011 blog post written by lawyer Phillipa Greer, the organization criticized Scotland's laws as "unhelpful and contradictory," asserting that they stigmatize prostitutes by prioritizing public nuisance concerns.

Greer additionally raised the critical point that by criminalizing public acts linked to the sale of sexual services while not addressing the act of purchasing itself, Scottish law may inadvertently drive women into more perilous circumstances. She argued that the visibility of such activities in public spaces is what constitutes the offense, and these restrictions overlook the inherent harm endured by sex workers, while also increasing the risks they face. Such restrictions may prompt sex workers to hastily enter vehicles to avoid drawing attention, and they can lead to displacement, forcing individuals into more concealed and less supervised areas.

For those interested in further information about Ash Regan's "Unbuyable" campaign, additional details are available on the campaign's website.

Despite safety concerns and objections, a Glasgow lap dancing club, Seventh Heaven, has been granted a boost in its efforts to relocate from Elmbank Gardens to 95 Hope Street. The move was approved by the city's Licensing Board, although the city's health and social care partnership and the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable women and "predatory behavior" in the city center. The GMB union, representing workers in sexual entertainment venues, supported the move, believing it would enhance safety.

The application, submitted by Himshley Properties Ltd, aimed to transition the existing premises license to the new location. However, the club still needs approval from the city's licensing and regulatory committee before it can open. A request to extend opening hours from 3am to 4am was not accepted.

While concerns were expressed about the safety of vulnerable women near the new venue, the applicant emphasized their commitment to addressing any inappropriate behavior and ensuring safety at the venue. The GMB spokesperson stated that sexual entertainment venues contribute significantly to Glasgow's nightlife economy and provide safer working conditions for dancers.

The Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership had highlighted concerns about various issues, including human trafficking, gender inequality, and vulnerable individuals congregating in the area. The Health and Social Care Partnership also raised alarm over high rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions near the proposed location.

The applicant's representative pointed out that the area already had effective policing policies in place, and Police Scotland did not object to the application. The club's policies and safety measures were cited as comprehensive, and the new location was noted to have better transportation access for employees.

In conclusion, the Glasgow lap dancing club's plan to relocate has been granted changes to its premises license despite objections. While concerns over safety and social issues persist, proponents argue that the move can offer better conditions for both workers and patrons.

Ah, guid yon! A man's gonna stand trial, accused o' settin' a lassie up tae be a bonnie lass o' the night.

John Leacock, auld thirty-nine, also kenned as Jonathan Bowman, they say he did recruit the lassie back in December twa-thousan' an' twenty.

The court papers say Leacock arranged her journey frae Bristol tae Glasgow.

He's alleged tae hae set up a place for her tae bide, a flat, an' then he went an' put her "services" on the web as a "lass o' pleasure."

Leacock, they claim, sorted oot customers tae come by the flat, lookin' for a wee bit o' company, if ye ken what I mean.

The charge says he agreed wi' the customers on the price they'd pay for the services.

Leacock, they say, took the bawbees and kept 'em for himsel'.

All o' this, they say, he did intendin' tae use the lassie for a purpose that's no' richt, someone haudin' power o'er her, like a puppet master pullin' the strings o' her trade.

The claims say he did it in a way that showed he was lendin' a hand, pushin' her intae this life o' hers.

Leacock, aye, he's facin' another charge, they say he did assault the lassie in that flat, down St Vincent Street in the heart o' the city.

They say he was shoutin' at her, chasin' her doon, grippin' her wrist, and clawin' his nails intae her hand.

The charge goes on tae say Leacock clapped his haun' o'er her mouth and nose, then gied her a guid shove on her mug, leavin' her worse for wear.

These twa charges, they claim, are made waur by a link tae the dirty business o' human traffickin'.

An' here's mair, they say Leacock, frae Swindon in Wiltshire, he did act like a right bampot in that selfsame flat.

They say he was aye carryin' a knife aboot, flashin' it like a fool, an' kept puttin' a cupboard oot by the lassie's room, like he was trappin' her like a beast.

Leacock, he says he's no' guilty o' the lot, an' they're takin' it tae trial in December at the Sheriff Court in Glasgow.

The court ordered a brothel keeper to forfeit £822.09, which was the only amount that could be recovered from her, after she made £167,000 from human trafficking and prostitution. The order was made at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday during a proceeds of crime hearing.

The brothel keeper, Boonsong Wannas, 63, was one of four criminals who received a total of 31 years of imprisonment in November last year for human trafficking offences in Glasgow.

Wannas contacted a woman in Thailand and offered her work as a masseuse and prostitute. She arranged a visa and travel for the victim and took her to two flats in Glasgow where she organised sexual services for men who paid money. The victim had debts in Thailand, but Wannas told her that she also owed her £5,000 for the visa and airfare.

The prosecutor, Dan Byrne, told the judge, Lord Clark, that both parties agreed that Wannas made £167,000 from her criminal activities. However, only £822.09 was available for confiscation at this time.

Lord Clark then ordered Wannas to hand over the sum.

Wannas pleaded guilty to a human trafficking offence of recruiting, transporting and harbouring the victim between November 2019 and February 2020. She also admitted to keeping or managing a brothel at flats in Cathcart Road, Linden Street and Charlotte Street in Glasgow between October 2019 and February 2020. She was sentenced to six years and four months by judge Douglas Brown.

Judge Brown said: “You were advertising for her clients, organising their attendance and arranging the sexual activity and the price. She felt she had no choice but to do as instructed as otherwise she would be unable to pay the £5,000 which you said she owed you and her outstanding debts in Thailand.”

Ethan Cruz, a 41-year-old ex-soldier, has been given a life sentence for forcing two women into sex work. The women had bright careers before they fell under his control. He made them do seedy webcam shows for his clients at his Glasgow flat. He also pushed one of them into having sex with up to 15 men a day, while he pocketed the money.

Cruz denied any wrongdoing and claimed the women chose to join him in the adult entertainment industry. He boasted about his lavish lifestyle of staying in expensive hotels and travelling to Monaco.

Cruz was supposed to compete in the Invictus Games for wounded veterans in Toronto in 2017. But, he was kicked out when these charges came to light.

Cruz appeared in the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, more than a year and a half after he was found guilty by a jury. He was convicted in September 2021 of intentionally making both women participate in sex work activity without their consent.

It seems that, like with lipstick sales and luxury hair treatments, the success of strip clubs is another marker of an economic downturn.

Recessions have historically been marked by a decrease in consumer spending, and this recession is no exception. As one Twitter user noted, her earnings have halved and the clubs are almost empty. Another commented, Strippers have been telling y’all the recession is coming baby. We are feeling it in the clubs everywhere. You know it’s bad if girls from Miami are coming to New York to work.”

When times are tough, folks just chill at home more; they ain’t gonna spend and hit the clubs. They’re hooking up online instead, said Markus Frind, the big boss of the dating site Plenty of Fish, during the 2009 money meltdown.

Some market research peeps called IBISWorld say that US strip clubs are making way less dough these days. They reckon their profit dropped by more than 12 per cent to $1.4bn in 2018, which is down from $1.6bn in 2012. That’s rough!  We got 30% more sex workers calling us last year who need help to start working. The prostitutes who call us are freaking out and scared. Women are begging us to hook them up with food vouchers for food banks. One person hadn’t eaten right for three days," she says. Others have called with housing issues, like getting kicked out or having their landlords be jerks to them," says Niki. “They’re trying to figure out how they’re gonna survive the next week.”

An article from a Dr Jacci Stoyle, secretariat for the Cross-Party Group for Commercial Sexual Exploitation, published in the 'The Scotsman' an opinion piece. Obviously, her agenda is to criminalise clients and end all sex work.  In her one-sided article she has incorrect facts, and rather selected bias on the examples she chooses. She is against decriminalisation of sex work as is practised in New Zealand, Austria and some states of Australia.  (Germany, the Netherlands do not decriminalize, they run a legalised controlled form of prostitution)

Amnesty Internatioanl support decriminalisation, she has hooked into the Douglas Fox, founder of a major prostitution ting in Northern England.  That is a laugh.

This idea is championed by Amnesty International, the iconic human rights organisation, who appear to have allowed their policy to have been influenced by Douglas Fox, a former member and founder of a major prostitution ring in the north of England, although they deny this.  

Douglas was a male sex worker, and yes, he did run an exceedingly small escort agency with 6 escorts he provided advertising for.  That is not a large escort agency. Many London agencies have 300 providers on their books. It does though show that those who support sex workers rights must be squeaky clean, otherwise they are all condemned as pimps.

Jacci ses one woman, Chelsea, to discredit decriminalisation. She was thrown out of home at 14, abused by a paedophile, and all the harm accorded to her, somehow is the fault of decriminalization. I don't see the connection.

She condemns the business owners who do not give employees minimum wages, sick pay, holiday pay etcetera. This happens in good old Britain with zero hours contracts in the gig economy. There are good employees in New Zealand, and there is the possibility of setting up your own communal brothel. She says there are no exit strategies for women in sex work, like there are no exit strategies for those wonderful cleaning jobs. 

In her arguments, she fails to mention that the large brothels require planning permission, and that the small brothels, less than four people working together in a flat are allowed, without planning and typically are run as a cooperative. Decriminalization allows you to run your own brothel. In the UK, and in Nordic law countries, two women working together are liable to prosecution. This happens many times in the Republic of Ireland.

She contends that decriminalization of prostitution ends your rights.

Thirdly, in full decriminalisation, prostitution is not a crime. Chelsea will tell you that in addition to your body, prostitution in New Zealand involves the sale of your human rights, such as the right to free expression, fair-working conditions and the right not to endure torture, rape, sexual harassment, and abuse. Simply put this means if a crime is committed in a brothel, the police are not interested.

What utter bollocks she is talking. In the decriminalized system, your right to say no is enshrined in law. There are even mandatory health and safety laws to ensure save working conditions. Mandatory use of condoms. Jacci contends that in one case, the sex worker Chelsea, was knocked unconscious and her purse stolen. The police were not interested. The police were not interested. The blame on inaction is not decriminalization, but on the police. She was assaulted, so the police should have taken this seriously.  If this did happen, then the police in her location would need a wakeup call.  I bet that if this had been under the UK laws, she would have been arrested.

Next, she condems the condom law. Both the client and the person selling sex are liable for fines on condom use.

An example of this lauded ‘harm reduction’ is that condoms and needles are provided in brothels. However, Chelsea tells us this was always the case, but now it is far more problematic. Under New Zealand law, ostensibly to make prostitution ‘safer’, the non-use of condoms incurs a fine of $2,000 on both parties. Unsurprisingly, when the buyer removes the condom against the will of the seller, it isn’t reported. After all, as Chelsea says: “Why on Earth would you give yourself a $2,000 fine?” Oh my, what a clever little law this is; now the data can ‘prove’ just how much ‘safer’ prostitution is in New Zealand.

What utter rubbish? Removing the condom against the will of the sex work, or any partner is rape in my book. I am certain that the $2,000 fine would not apply to the sex worker in this case. Jacci is just concocting falsehoods.

Finally, Jacci goes on and blames all violence against women on the sale of sex in New Zealand brothels.  This argument is totally untrue.  There have been many reported studies of an event which occurred in the state of Rhode Island. Sex work was decriminalized by accident for many years. Many massage parlors opened. Finally, the normal American criminal laws against prostitution were applied.  During the period of decriminalization of prostitution in Rhode Island, the number of rapes dropped significantly. No other crimes dropped.

A gang who trafficked and forced women to work in Scottish brothels have been convicted. They lured victims from China and Thailand with promises of work.

A number of lucrative sex for sale flats had been used – one in Glasgow’s Albion Street and another city centre property in Oswald Street.

Two new reports have looked at the lived experiences of Scottish sex workers and how other countries are attempting to stop the cycle of prostitution.

The research was commissioned and instigated by the Scottish Government in their attempt to criminalize the purchase of sex.   The lived experience, and international evidence review highlight the experiences of Scottish escorts and sex workers.

The lived experience review shows how some women working as escorts did not know about the support services available to leave prostitution.

 

The international evidence looked at framework in other countries. This appears according to this newspaper article to have only looked at the Nordic model.

1. Laws that criminalize the client and decriminalize the sex worker.

2 Support for 'victims' and helping those selling sex to exit.

3. Change societal views on prostitution, preventing demand.

I can't see in this newspaper article that they looked at total decriminalization as in New Zealand and much or Eastern Australia.

 

This article is written by a sex worker. She found that countless clients were using her services to heal from body shame. Most specifically penis size.

One twenty something client opened up about his cock size, and thus his ability to give pleasure t a woman.  He opened up, and I realised he had grown up watching porn, and that his manhood was not as big as the Porn Star studs.

The story (ed. I have heard the myself), is that sex work can often be healing work. Helping to boost confidence, helping to process grief. This sex worker found she was part therapist, part pleasure provider and part healer t her clients.

Definitely a good read.

 

The French Drama, Her Way is coming to the UK cinema. It should have been shown at last years Glasgow film festival. In Cécile Ducrocq’s provocative first feature, Her Way showcases a determination for a better life. It is a sex work positive drama. It follows Marie, who has been working in the sex industry for 20 years. She is determined to give her 17 year old son a better life. A life into a life training as a chief at a prestigious cookery school.

Thankfully, the police open old cases. I remember this case of Emma, I worked in Edinburgh for many years. Thankfully, the murdering pig has now been caught and faces justice for the slaughter of a woman who happened to be selling sexual services.

Emma Caldwell, who was 27, was last seen between 12.30am and 1.30am on April 5, 2005, on London Road, Glasgow and was reported missing by her family on April 10, 2005.

The unsolved case was reopened in 2015 following consideration by senior lawyers in the Crown Office.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, said: "Police Scotland officers have undertaken a significant amount of work re-investigating all the circumstances surrounding Emma’s death following instruction from the Lord Advocate in 2015.

The Scottish Parliament has published the responses on the consultation on sex work, framed with the negative question of 'A consultation on challenging men's demand for prostitution, working to reduce the harms associated with prostitution and helping women to exit'.  I understand from previous press releases, the majority of resondants were in favour of some decriminilisation and not criminilising the buyer. The usual Nordic Model Now culptits were there.  Personally I was pleased to see the 'Sally Army' taking a pragmatic view of condeming the purchase of sex, but realising the criminilisation of the client would put the sex worker in danger.

Unforunatley all the usual suspects, such as Nordic Model Now, Scottish Women’s Aid and Encompass Network made their usual play from the discredited and dangerous Nordic Model, whcih research from Cambridge University and other institutions has shown to be dangerous to the sex worker.

We must also take issue with the phrasing of the questions, which a few sex workers who answered the questions, commented on.

If you want to reference the questions and answers , I would advise making a personal copy. Previous Scottish consulations have removed the responses on sex work without warning.

A working group met to look at prostitution in Scotland. Its remit is to create policies to challenge men’s demand for prostitution. The working group consists of key bodies and third sector representatives to ensure equality, huma rights and women's saftey if at the heart of the Scorrish Model. Membership includes bodies including COSLA, NHS and Public Health Scotland. The third sec to has representatives from Scottish Women’s Aid, the Encompass Network and the Violence Against Women Partnership Network.(All groups agaisnt prostitution)

The group's membership is COSLA, NHS Lothian, Public Health Scotland, UK Feminista, Scottish Women’s Aid, the Encompass Network, Violence Against Women Partnership Network, The Improvement Service, TARA and Alan Caton former Detective Superintendent of Suffolk Constabulary. Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal will join the group in an advisory capacity.

No mention is made of representation from active sex workers, or sex worker organisations such as Scot Pep, and Umbrella Lane.  This is a totally rigged group of organisations who will only come our with legislation and schemes which will harm sex workers.

This sound like the Super Bowl scare stores of the US. Trafficking is supposed to increase during the super bowl. (It doesn't, indeed escorts find a down turn in business during that event)

So this scenario id now happening in Glasgow, with a supposed increase in criminal activity and trafficking of women to satisfy the men attending the conferencve. The police cover then selves by saying they want to guard against violence agaunst sex workers, when in fact they will be targetting the women and arresting those working together and charging them with trafficking offences and brothel keeping.

Marsha Scott speaks sense when she says Criminalising the buying of sex in Scotland would “disempower” women and put them in further danger, the head of a leading charity has claimed.

Let's hope the Scottish parliament takes notice.

Plans by the Scottish Government to develop a “bespoke” model to support women in prostitution have been criticised by a group that represents street workers.

Umbrella Lane, which says it is the “only peer-led support organisation for sex workers in the whole of Scotland”, also hit out at a lack of government funding for its services.

The charity did not receive any of the £90,000 announced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday to support three other bodies working to supply services to help women engaged in prostitution.

SEX worker led charity Umbrella Lane is to use new £50,000 funding to set up a street outreach project in Glasgow.

Based in Glasgow, the charity works to support people who engage in selling or exchanging sexual services in person and/or online.

Now it has earned £50,000 from the The National Lottery Community Fund’s Lived Experience Leaders programme.

It comes as many workers are experiencing financial hardship due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Charity founder Dr Anastacia Ryan said: "We are delighted to have been successful in our recent application to the Lived Experience Leaders Fund.

"Sex worker involvement and leadership have been fundamental values of Umbrella Lane since its inception in 2015.

A charity says it is being forced to reopen its hardship fund for sex workers during the latest Covid-19 lockdown, as it claimed Scottish Government cash has failed to reach those hardest hit by the pandemic.

"The Government response has been that there was already a 'bespoke fund' created for women in prostitution. This fund was only given to mainstream organisations that fail to work from a rights-based, trauma-informed approach, which is part of the reason the funds have not reached those hardest hit.

"Due to stigma and often criminalisation, sex workers are untrusting of these services, which is why it is essential that crisis funds are made available to sex worker-led charities to administer to those who need it most."

One anonymous sex worker hit out and said the stance of ministers was “nothing short of inhumane” throughout the crisis.

They hit out as a charity claimed sex workers had been “left to fall through the cracks” by the Government – resulting in some having “no choice” but to deal with “dangerous” clients”.

Anastacia Ryan, the founder of the charity Umbrella Lane said that MSPs should be “leading calls for the Government to provide emergency financial assistance to allow sex workers to adhere to the public health measures”.

 

The Scottish Government stated,

“We’ve allocated more than £60,000 crisis funding to the Encompass Network to enable Covid-focused services for destitution support, trauma counselling, advocacy and to provide a bridge to national mainstream support.

This money has been allocated to an organisation which supports the criminalisation of clients, and who sex workers do not want to associate with.

 

Warning, take responsibility when you visit escorts. Make sure you are not causing harm.

 

Police Scotland have identified 84 women victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation this year, but the force has warned the real number of victims will be much higher.

Nine of the victims were aged under 18 years old – the youngest was 13. 

People who pay for sex need to think about what they are doing. They may be responsible for the continued sexual exploitation of a woman and for directly funding organised crime.

She says she enjoys the job as it offers her flexibility that she didn’t have in previous nine to five roles. 

Lydia, whose name we’ve changed to protect her identity, had been accustomed to earning up to £1000 a week. 

But when lockdown hit, her income took a nosedive. 

 

Dr Anastacia Ryan is director of Umbrella Lane, a sex worker support group which offered emergency help over lockdown – including crowdfunded crisis grants, online chats and a 24-hour helpline.

She’s urging the Scottish Government to look at other countries, such as New Zealand and New South Wales in Australia, where sex work is completely decriminalised. 

Dr Ryan told STV News: “The [Nordic Model] would have exact same effect as the coronavirus did on sex workers – poverty, a reduction in women’s safety, a reduction in the ability to bargain with clients and to negotiate prices – it really did push the industry underground.”

A sex worker charity has criticised a Government consultation which could lead to men being banned from buying sex. A sex worker involved with SCOTPEP warned that a law criminalising clients would be a “rapist’s charter” by forcing women to take greater risks.

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant previously lodged a bill to criminalise the purchase of sex, but it did not pass.

She has welcomed the consultation and said it must lead to legislation making the purchase of sex illegal. 

She said: “The purchase of sex is a violent act against women and it should be criminalised."

However, SCOTPEP, which represents sex workers, has slammed the consultation.

Nadine Stott, a charity board member, said: “We’re very concerned about the timing and content of this consultation, with many sex workers still struggling with the effects of COVID-19.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said sex work was harming women and a cultural shift was needed so men accept the purchase of sex is no longer acceptable.

The Scottish Government will today launch a consultation on prostitution which could lead to men being banned from buying sex.

The move is part of a radical bid to tackle the issue of prostitution, which the Government sees as an abuse of women.

It is also looking for ways women can be supported to exit sex work, which may be their only real source of income.

Three people have been charged in connection with human trafficking offences in Glasgow.

Two men, Madirius Ursu, 18, and Mihai Radu, 26, and a woman, Eleonara Adelina Ghita, 26, have been arrested and charged after an intelligence-led operation on Friday.

Officers carried out searches at five different properties in Glasgow at 6.40am on Friday.

The police partners included immigration, so we can expect some deportations to be occuring.

The adult clubs in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are all still closed. The Scottish Government has not yet said when they can reopen. Some workers have moved overseas so they can earn a living.

A spokesperson for the GMB said

"Adult industry workers across the board are being forced to make the decision to go back to work on their own with no support from the Scottish Government as published guidance does not cover the adult industry in any capacity.

"Dancers are dependant on clubs opening that have been closed since March 16."