Surrey man charged with 'sex for rent' offences in first prosecution of its kind

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

Author: Grace McGachy Published 25th Jan 2021
Last updated 25th Jan 2021

A man from Surrey is due in court next month after he was charged with so-called 'sex for rent' offences in what is believed the be the first prosecution of its kind.

52-year-old Christopher Cox, of Guildford Road in Cranleigh, has been charged with two counts of causing/inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in 2019 and relate to three female victims.

The charges arose out of an investigation by ITV researchers into “sex-for-rent” allegations, which Surrey Police was made aware of in March 2019.

Sex for rent is when someone allegedly offers rent-free or reduced price accommodation in return for sex.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Prodger said:

“Following an investigation into so-called ‘sex-for-rent’ allegations, the CPS has authorised Surrey Police to charge Christopher Cox with two counts of inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.

“This is a complex case and we have reached the decision following a careful review of all the evidence gathered during this period.

“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.”

Cox is due to appear at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 24 February.