A brother and sister have been sentenced to 15 months in prison each for their involvement in managing a chain of brothels valued at £1 million, spanning across North-West London.
Spencer Rolfe and Adele Lubin were apprehended following an undercover investigation conducted in April of the previous year. Detectives, during the investigation, were propositioned for sex, and a female police officer was solicited to work as a prostitute. The Metropolitan Police's vice unit initiated the inquiry after receiving information from local officers.
David Howard, Lubin's 40-year-old son from Canvey Island, received a suspended six-month jail term, valid for two years, alongside 150 hours of community service.
Upon their arrest, authorities discovered 17 prostitutes operating across four brothels. Lubin, aged 61 from Hendon's Watford Way, managed bordellos within beauty parlors in Hendon and Harrow. Rolfe, aged 60 from Mill Hill's Green Avenue, oversaw another establishment near his residence. The family had advertised these brothels through local newspapers, newsagents, and a listings magazine. Throughout the investigation, Rolfe mentioned to an officer that several women had been working for him for three years, and he admitted to operating a brothel from his own home.
Detective Inspector Gary Young from the Metropolitan Police clubs and vice unit stated, "There was a suggestion that the brother and sister involved Howard, but he, being an adult, profited from this enterprise. Considering the operation of multiple premises, the sentences were in line with our expectations."
Authorities confirmed their pursuit to seize the accumulated wealth from the family's illegal activities. The trio was convicted of conspiracy to control prostitution the previous month.
Ray Howard, Howard's father and a Conservative councillor on Essex County Council, declared his support for his son despite the conviction.