Cranleigh Man on Prostitution Charges After ‘Sex For Rent’ Investigation

Published on: 26 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 28 Jan, 2021

Christopher Cox is to appear before Staines magistrates on February 24, facing three prostitution charges said to involve “sex for rent”.

Mr Cox, aged 52, of Guildford Road, Cranleigh, was accused of the alleged offences, against three females and dating from 2019.

They followed an investigation by ITV researchers into so-called “sex-for-rent” allegations, passed to Surrey Police in March 2019.

These are believed to be the first charges brought for this type of allegation in England and Wales.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Prodger said: “This is a complex case and we have reached the decision following a careful review of all the evidence.

“Criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

These are believed to be the first charges brought for this type of allegation in England and Wales.

Revised CPS legal guidance in January 2019 was drafted to assist police and prosecutors considering sex-for-rent allegations.