ESCORTS TARGET TOWN

The escorts are using an adult website to make a pitch to potential clients and point them in the direction of how to book their time.

A local gentleman contacted the ‘MAIL’ to voice his disgust at an escort operating in his locality.

He claimed the escort was using an adult website to arrange bookings. He said residents were concerned about the number of visitors to her property and claimed her clients include a prominent figure in the community.

When investigating the man’s claims the ‘MAIL’ learnt of a number of escorts in the local area offering an online booking service.

One escort - a 19-year-old female from Lurgan - claims to be ‘new’ to the escort business and offers cheaper rates to clients contacting her by email before booking. She says she is “in a very safe and discreet area”.

Another of the escorts - a 41-year-old female who lists her location as ‘Moira Junction 9 M1’ - says she will travel anywhere within reason.

There is a note on the website to say any money paid to adult escorts is for their time and companionship only. Whatever else may occur if and when contact is made is the choice of consenting adults.

Upper Bann DUP MLA Stephen Moutray said: “I am aware of several reports in the Craigavon area. People need to be clear – this is happening in many parts of Northern Ireland. Both residential and business premises are used. It can be a hotel or house on a short term lease.

“There has been something of an explosion of this kind of industry in Northern Ireland in recent years. The reduction in paramilitary violence and what is called greater normality, plus EU expansion have resulted in many reports of girls coming into the province who end up working in the sex trade.

“There are growing fears that many girls are victims of people trafficking, also that some are underage, but also that many are being exploited by criminals. I am also led to believe that some girls are controlled by foreign nationals.

“If that is the case, then those responsible should face the full rigours of the law. Not only that, but if convicted, then they should be deported immediately.

“We need swift and firm action from the PSNI against anyone who is running this kind of trade in the area. We also need the public to bring public attention onto premises where this is going on.”

“If Northern Ireland is to experience a return to normality, then this is certainly not the kind of normality that we would wish to see.”