Sandy's Superstars court case

[Goldfinch]

The story made the Daily Mirror:

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[plums]

It'd be great if someone was allowed to do something with the Northenden premises now that it's all over.  It's a great venue going to waste.

[Blackpool Rock]

Quite a long article that however I stand corrected as there was no evidence of tax evasion in fact there was an implication that they paid more tax than they needed to 
So it looks like they were busted on the basis of complaints from the public and an investigative journalist, fucking farce really when everyone knows the whereabouts of plenty of other brothels which aren't run nearly as well and have girls who openly drink and take drugs.
Couple of bullshit things in the article about the rates being high due to the rooms being clean etc as many other places charge the same but are shitholes in comparison.
Also it says 13 of the girls have now been attacked since having to leave Sandys, this may be true but i can't see any of these girls working the streets as the article implies so it must have been working as Indi's or other parlours / agencies etc

If they had evaded tax then they would have got what they deserved but i'm amazed all this came from complaints especially when plod knew all about it and HMRC was taking their cut too.
As for the claim the information wasn't acted on due to police resources, what utter bullshit as the article also indicated they got a weekly visit.

SS closing majorly fucked up my punting and still continues to fuck up my punting and i'm sure the same is true for 1000's of other punters too, the real irony here is that Prestwich is back up and running as 50 shades so where are the complaints       

[James999]

This will hurt them,

Not really, they made huge profits from an illegal business, the suspended sentence is a total let off and no punishment at all if they don't commit crime in the next couple of years, the POCA sums demanded are also very small, a total let off 

[cat1144]

makes you wonder what good it did shutting down sandy's 

i was under the impression aswell, it was due to unpaid taxes

i still think there's something more to the story tbh

[Kool Keef]

makes you wonder what good it did shutting down sandy's 

i was under the impression aswell, it was due to unpaid taxes

i still think there's something more to the story tbh

There's definitely more to this story than has come out in the reports imo.
Why just that parlour?
Why that particular time did GMP or whoever decide to act?
Wonder if it was personal or because they were 'number one' in Manchester there was a lot of jealousy & they were there to be shot at?
Maybe they just upset the wrong person.
Wasn't a massive Sandys fan tbh but it seems stupid to target them when there's parlours in Mcr that are much dodgier.

[Blackpool Rock]

makes you wonder what good it did shutting down sandy's 

i was under the impression aswell, it was due to unpaid taxes

i still think there's something more to the story tbh

perhaps the judge was a punter 

[smartieshouse]

I think its fair to conclude that GMP still have a relaxed View on Parlours given the relatively light sentence.

[Moby Dick]

So what will happen to other brothels?

I think this was simply targeted because of the amount of money it generated. Should have left it alone if the owners paid tax and council rates. Plus some of the girls had accountants to do their tax returns. POCA is up Taxman is down.

I dont think the POCA and 6 months suspended sentence is going to deter brothel owners. But are they declaring all the earnings tax as Sandy claimed they did?
Each establishment had at least 5rooms x £40/hour x 10hours/day x 364 days/year =£730,000/yr earning potential which is inline with the 1.8million to 2million declared over the 3years
And what about the earlier years?

Plus they claim the girls kept their room fee.
Did they declare the girls had to rent the room up front, so basically had to do a few clients first to just break even

And had to pay receptionist and maid/runner a generous tip at the end of the day.

[scutty brown]

I did a search on both companies when all this blew up, and the declared turnover for both businesses were nowhere near the reality.............there's something strange going on here

[Moby Dick]

How much was declared?

I did a search on both companies when all this blew up, and the declared turnover for both businesses were nowhere near the reality.............there's something strange going on here

[Rack Admirer]

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Very surprising turn of events. I can only guess that the working conditions imposed on the girls at Sandys is what brought them down. I believe Sandy was very strict and there were rules which people in regular jobs would find unacceptable (e.g. the girls had to remain on the premises from the time they arrived for their shift until the parlour closed, no lunch breaks, girls had a variety of expenses, etc). That said, the girls weren't forced to work there, so it was their choice.

Seems like a waste of taxpayers money to me and will actually result in less tax/ni income in the future, as they were paying what they owed.

When you look at some of the shithole parlours still in operation, it beggars belief that Sandys was targeted. Maybe something was hidden from the reporting of the case, I don't know.

I'm sat here baffled

By the way, I believe the "investigative journalist" (the quotes around it in the article amused me) started off with World Famous Babes in Swinton, and so may have helped close down two establishments that I really enjoyed visiting. No wonder he's left the manchester area, if that is true.

[Moby Dick]

I agree with waste of tax payers money.
The girls did eat, the runner would go to various takeaways which the girls ate whilst we were in the shower, or if not booked. Some of the popular lasses booked all day could pay the £20 room fee and half half hour break, they could afford it with earning potential up to £800/day. Their choice and I think many would admit they earned more there than now as indies due to footfall and conveyor belt parlour service.

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Very surprising turn of events. I can only guess that the working conditions imposed on the girls at Sandys is what brought them down. I believe Sandy was very strict and there were rules which people in regular jobs would find unacceptable (e.g. the girls had to remain on the premises from the time they arrived for their shift until the parlour closed, no lunch breaks, girls had a variety of expenses, etc). That said, the girls weren't forced to work there, so it was their choice.

Seems like a waste of taxpayers money to me and will actually result in less tax/ni income in the future, as they were paying what they owed.

When you look at some of the shithole parlours still in operation, it beggars belief that Sandys was targeted. Maybe something was hidden from the reporting of the case, I don't know.

I'm sat here baffled

By the way, I believe the "investigative journalist" (the quotes around it in the article amused me) started off with World Famous Babes in Swinton, and so may have helped close down two establishments that I really enjoyed visiting. No wonder he's left the manchester area, if that is true.

[smartieshouse]

To me it opens up the wider issue here of the UKs approach to vice.

Who has won out of this?

Has it reduced the sex trade in the NW?

Ultimately some pretty girls will always want to work. Equally guys like us will want to pay for sex. Both parties will always find each other.

All I can see that has happened is that the girls now work in less secure environments and are at greater risk of personal harm.

Really sad.

[James999]

Who has won out of this?

Upholding the law is not about winning, it's not a football match 

You can't just ignore the law just because you liked the way it was run 

[fallentrees1321]

Moaning locals would surely be moaning more if they had streetwalkers all over the place

I went past the Northenden one many a time before I knew anything about punting and was non the wiser, looking at the pics of the one in Prestwitch im going to assume the same is true .

[tesla]

Moaning locals would surely be moaning more if they had streetwalkers all over the place

I went past the Northenden one many a time before I knew anything about punting and was non the wiser, looking at the pics of the one in Prestwitch im going to assume the same is true .

I remember when Northenden opened there was a lot of local protests and complaints, some made it into the local papers IIRC. I do remember hearing about one local woman who had thought it was a legit health studio or massage parlour and walked in to find out it was not what she thought and then started to complain to the council and police.

[Rack Admirer]

I remember when Northenden opened there was a lot of local protests and complaints, some made it into the local papers IIRC. I do remember hearing about one local woman who had thought it was a legit health studio or massage parlour and walked in to find out it was not what she thought and then started to complain to the council and police.

There's another - seedier and much crapper - parlour just up the road: Ladybirds. It's still open. There is a notorious prossie hotel in Northenden. Still going strong.

I know Sandys attracted a LOT of customers, but they were probably a lot less trouble than the drinkers in the surrounding bars.

The local protests and complaints doesn't seem a valid reason to close it down, IMHO.

[fallentrees1321]

I remember when Northenden opened there was a lot of local protests and complaints, some made it into the local papers IIRC. I do remember hearing about one local woman who had thought it was a legit health studio or massage parlour and walked in to find out it was not what she thought and then started to complain to the council and police.

Her husband/boyfriend probably told her it was a legit health studio and she wanted to go check  out what he was spending £200 a month on . Poor man

[george r]

I bet they are still laughing all the way to their banks  after this fiasco  ...

[smartieshouse]

Upholding the law is not about winning, it's not a football match 

You can't just ignore the law just because you liked the way it was run 

Upholding "the law" can be selective to the extreme. For example a recent RTA involving royalty has been dealt with in a manner far removed from the letter letter of the law. As ultimately what would be the greater good to society by giving him 3 points or a fine.

Similarly what went on behind a red door in Prestwich I would suggest did not have a detrimental effect on society as a whole! Further at the address in question trade continues BAU!! Upholding the law........

[James999]

But it's not about what you feel or prefer which laws are enforced 

[HKS15]

Seems like the case has been a bit of a failure then, the POCA takings seem pretty meagre when you consider the lifestyles they lived and looks to me like they've got off prison because of the tolerance policy. The armed raid on Merv's house seems unbelievably excessive by any standards, especially when the article states that the police used to visit the premises weekly, they will have met him loads of times and known he wasn't a dangerous criminal.

Richard Dicky Carvath is going to love feeling like he's the one responsible.

[smartieshouse]

But it's not about what you feel or prefer which laws are enforced 

Correct. I was offering a Subjective opinion. Which is the same as 99% of all posts on here.

[Rack Admirer]

Richard Dicky Carvath is going to love feeling like he's the one responsible.

He's an uncircumcised penis (i.e. a "complete prick").

[Blackpool Rock]

There's another - seedier and much crapper - parlour just up the road: Ladybirds. It's still open. There is a notorious prossie hotel in Northenden. Still going strong.

I know Sandys attracted a LOT of customers, but they were probably a lot less trouble than the drinkers in the surrounding bars.

The local protests and complaints doesn't seem a valid reason to close it down, IMHO.

Yeah I was always a bit wary walking past the rowdy drinkers who used to sit in the front beer garden a couple of doors up from the Northenden branch.
The girls used to park at the back so had to drive past them to gain access to the road, a few told me they had abuse from drinkers while driving home after a shift.
I remember one time they had all spilled onto the pavement after the Manc Derby when City had won but there were groups of pissed up blokes aggressively arguing with each other about the footy. One twat in a Utd top looked at me and called me a cunt, I just looked ahead and kept walking then when I got back to my car I realised I was wearing a blue top but either way WTF 

[James999]

Yeah I was always a bit wary walking past the rowdy drinkers who used to sit in the front beer garden a couple of doors up from the Northenden branch.
The girls used to park at the back so had to drive past them to gain access to the road, a few told me they had abuse from drinkers while driving home after a shift.
I remember one time they had all spilled onto the pavement after the Manc Derby when City had won but there were groups of pissed up blokes aggressively arguing with each other about the footy. One twat in a Utd top looked at me and called me a cunt, I just looked ahead and kept walking then when I got back to my car I realised I was wearing a blue top but either way WTF 

What a long winded & pointless way of telling us someone called you a cunt 

[TomTank]

What a long winded & pointless way of telling us someone called you a cunt 

Bit unfair, just a bit of context around it ..... although all he needed to do was tell us he was wearing a city top and we'd know anyway 

[Blackpool Rock]

Bit unfair, just a bit of context around it ..... although all he needed to do was tell us he was wearing a city top and we'd know anyway 

No need to be so offensive 

[Clitheroelad]

Seems like the case has been a bit of a failure then, the POCA takings seem pretty meagre when you consider the lifestyles they lived and looks to me like they've got off prison because of the tolerance policy. The armed raid on Merv's house seems unbelievably excessive by any standards, especially when the article states that the police used to visit the premises weekly, they will have met him loads of times and known he wasn't a dangerous criminal.

Richard Dicky Carvath is going to love feeling like he's the one responsible.

Google Carvath and look at his blog. Currently spreading the good word in Cornwall, but wanted by Notts Police.

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[dubs]

Well I am surprised it wasn't about tax evasion & money laundering, just the GMP sending a message that even if parlours comply and are run very well, they are still illegal businesses and vulnerable to being raided on a whim.

[fallentrees1321]

I think its fair to conclude that GMP still have a relaxed View on Parlours given the relatively light sentence.

Sentencing isnt the remit of GMP , that is soley up to the judge . Considering that all of them did enter guilty pleas it does not surprise me that much that they got suspended sentences .

But suspended sentences for 2 years are also fairly restrictive , had they just got the custodial sentences without the suspension they would have been out in 3 months . Now they have to tow the line for 2 years or risk having the sentence activated .

[James999]

But suspended sentences for 2 years are also fairly restrictive , had they just got the custodial sentences without the suspension they would have been out in 3 months . Now they have to tow the line for 2 years or risk having the sentence activated .

What, you mean act like a normal person and not commit crime 

[Dickled]

What, you mean act like a normal person and not commit crime 

Committing crime, or breaking the law, same thing I suppose.
But what if the law is sometimes an ass?

[goldwing1]

Committing crime, or breaking the law, same thing I suppose.
But what if the law is sometimes an ass?

It`s illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement.

[HKS15]

In the Daily Mail today:

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[James999]

It`s illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement.

Can you link the  law to support your stupid statement 

[Goldfinch]

Can you link the  law to support your stupid statement 

 

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[James999]

Only in London 

[Goldfinch]

Only in London 

 

[goldwing1]

Can you link the  law to support your stupid statement 

See 54 paragraph 8
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[standardpostage]

A few years down the line, they may make a film out of this story !
They could call it "Love For Sale"
 

[chrishornx]

See 54 paragraph 8
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Brilliant Wingie well done. You're not the stupid one 

[chrishornx]

Upholding the law is not about winning, it's not a football match 

You can't just ignore the law just because you liked the way it was run 

of course you 'can' ignore the law (thousands did at Sandy's ) you probably mean you 'shouldn't' ignore the law

Thousand of motorists 'can' ignore the law everyday by speeding ...but they shouldn't

[Kool Keef]

of course you 'can' ignore the law (thousands did at Sandy's ) you probably mean you 'shouldn't' ignore the law

Thousand of motorists 'can' ignore the law everyday by speeding ...but they shouldn't

Didn't they just ignore the law with old Greek Phil of Windsor & his car accident?

[lpopo]

Whats with all the bad tory snide comments about this? Fucking good on them i say they made a lot of people a lot of money including the girls and the taxman while doing minimal harm and making a lot of fellas happy.
So what if they fell foul of some of the shitty laws in this country. Theres far worse things going on every day that the plod should be chasing up.
Proper shocked at some of these shouts on here of all places

[goldwing1]

Brilliant Wingie well done. You're not the stupid one

It`s also  illegal to flag a taxi or get on a bus if you have the plague without telling the driver first.

[smiths]

Interesting to read of the collusion between GMP and Sandys until GMP raided and nicked the pimps. Its not as though GMP hasn't raided and nicked other brothel pimps during the time Sandys was open. So why did they give Sandys an agreement to operate and not enforce the law which is the job of the police. IMO there is more to this than has come out. Good to hear there was no coercion of WGs involved. So they were bog standard pimps who ran a good operation like a legit business.

I have no sympathy for pimp scum, they got a good result here and tiny POCA orders in comparison to what they would of taken over the years of operation, either they spent it living the high life or they were smart enough to launder some or a lot away for a rainy day out of the reach and knowledge of POCA.

Carvath must be wetting himself the cunt, he was taking pics of punters and posting them online going in or out of Sandys. I assume he is the "journo" mentioned, I did read his open letter to GMP some years ago published on his blog saying he was working with a local neighbourhood group near 1 of Sandys brothels.

[BP]

It`s also  illegal to flag a taxi or get on a bus if you have the plague without telling the driver first.

It's **still** in the by-laws of Blackpool (apparently) that Hackney Carriages should carry a bale of hay

[BP]

... on his blog saying he was working with a local neighbourhood group near 1 of Sandys brothels.

He WAS the neighbourhood group.
He's a cunt - it was soooo funny when he only got 1% of the votes in the local elections - seems everyone else thinks he's a cunt as well