Surrey man charged over 'sex-for-rent' allegations

A 52-year-old man has been charged over “sex-for-rent” allegations in what is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in England and Wales.

Christopher Cox, from Cranleigh, in Surrey, is due to appear in court next month to face two counts of inciting prostitution for gain and one count of controlling prostitution for gain.

The CPS believe the charges to be the first in relation to “sex-for-rent” allegations, where accommodation is offered free in return for sex.

Revised CPS legal guidance was published in January 2019 to assist police and prosecutors considering such allegations.

Claire Prodger, a senior crown prosecutor, 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. The charges arose out of an investigation by ITV researchers, passed to police in 2019, which resulted in further criminal inquiries.”

Cox is due to appear at North Surrey magistrates court on 24 February.