Charges dropped against kiwi brothel owner in Sydney

Prostitution charges against renowned New Zealand-born brothel owner Mary Anne Kenworthy, 48, have been dropped by West Australian police, who said it was not worth embarking on a four-day trial for a possible $A100 ($NZ116) fine.

Ms Kenworthy, the high-profile millionaire boss of the Langtrees bordellos in Perth and Kalgoorlie, had been due in court next month in Perth to face charges of keeping premises for prostitution, brought under the 112-year-old Police Act.

But Police Commissioner Barry Matthews yesterday said after advice from the State Solicitor's office, the police felt it was not in the public interest to prosecute Ms Kenworthy.

"It was originally intended to be a short case, but it has actually become bigger than Ben Hur," Mr Matthews told the Australian Associated Press.

"I have seen if it is possible to proceed with less witnesses and less expense, and the answer is probably not, and therefore I have said that it is not worth the expense of continuing this."

The outspoken madam had originally faced criminal charges, but these were dropped by Director of Public Prosecutions Robert Cock last August, who said he considered the prosecution a waste of time and money.

But at the time Assistant Police Commissioner Mel Hay disagreed, saying it was important for police to be seen to be prosecuting to the letter of the law.

The likely penalty following a four-day trial is a fine of $A100, and for subsequent offences a $A200 fine or possible imprisonment.

Ms Kenworthy maintains the charge was only brought because of a personality clash between her and Mr Hay.

"It was a farce the charge was brought in the first place, and I think this decision is the best thing for all parties," she said.

"Barry Matthews has always been sensible on it, but it wasn't him it was Mel Hay - I am supportive of the police force, and one bad egg does not make a police force."

Mr Matthews said WA police remained committed to policing prostitution where it became invasive to the community.

"This is a good example of the inadequacy of the current laws," he said.

"I am disappointed that the government's efforts to regulate in a sensible way has not gone ahead.

"It quite frankly is a nonsense there, with the expense that would be involved in mounting a prosecution like this for a $100 and $200 fine."

Ms Kenworthy said the government should abide by its election promise to sort out prostitution laws.

"They promised to legislate, they know that trying to legislate with strict laws is not going to work so why don't they just decriminalise and let the council sort out who, when and where."

Keeping a brothel is illegal in Western Australia but authorities had turned a blind eye to their operation until Kenworthy was charged.

Kenworthy, a former sex worker originally from Kaitaia, Northland, set up the Perth bordello 15 years ago.

She also made headlines in May 2002 when she closed her Perth establishment for the final two days of a port visit by the United States Navy saying her workers were too tired to maintain a high standard of service.

- NZPA