Three plead guilty to running a brothel from a Marsascala flat
Two of the accused and several clients watched from the roof while police searched the apartment
A man and two women admitted to running a brothel from an apartment in Marsascala.
William Paulino Palomino Miranda, from Peru, and Laura Vanessa Valencia Vargas, from Colombia, were arraigned in court on Thursday and charged with running a brothel and loitering.
Inspector Marshall Mallia told the court that the police received a report from the landlord about an apartment in Marsascala.
When police officers went on site, Miranda and Vargas were seen peeking over the roof with clients. As police entered the property, they found sexual paraphernalia and rooms used for prostitution.
Upon further investigation, the police also discovered online adverts promoting their services.
The two pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.
Before sentencing, lawyer Victor Bugeja, who represented the accused, told the court that Miranda and Vargas cooperated with the police throughout the investigation.
The court sentenced both of them to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. They must also pay a €100 fine and will be repatriated to their home country.
Another woman, Regina Santana De Jesus, originally from the Dominican Republic, was also charged in connection with the same apartment. She was accused of operating a brothel, allowing her property to be used for prostitution, and living off the proceeds of prostitution.
The apartment was being rented to her, and she, in turn, was sub-letting it to the other two accused.
She also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years' jail, suspended for three years, and a €150 fine.
Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the sittings.