Courts / Dublin / Report

Brothel keeper "courageously" claims to have spent profits on business expenses

Date
2018-01-30

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Martin Morgan, a 53-year-old London resident, appealed a €252,908 confiscation order in the Court of Appeal. Morgan had previously pleaded not guilty to organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment between August 22 and October 10, 2005. He was found guilty by a jury following a 19-day trial and jailed for three years in 2008. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court subsequently ordered the confiscation of assets based on estimated net profits. Morgan's counsel argued that the State failed to prove Morgan had realisable assets, asserting he had spent all proceeds on business expenses. The State contended the burden of proof rested on Morgan to demonstrate he had no assets. The three-judge panel, comprising Justices Birmingham, Edwards, and Hedigan, noted Morgan's claim that he had nothing left was a "courageous assertion" but required corroboration. The court had previously granted Morgan legal aid for this appeal, noting his inability to pay could result in further imprisonment. The court reserved its judgement on the appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brothel keeper "courageously" claims to have spent profits on business expenses. Charges or matters: organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment in the city centre on dates between August 22 to October 10, 2005; the offence of brothel keeping following a "very lengthy" 19-day trial in which he funded his own representation of solicitor and two counsel. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

August 22 Hearing Or Sentence
October 10, 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
2018-01-30 Publication

Why: However, he said Morgan had nothing that was realisable because he had spent the entire benefit realised by him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Martin Morgan

Appellant

Charges: organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment in the city centre on dates between August 22 to October 10, 2005; the offence of brothel keeping following a "very lengthy" 19-day trial in which he funded his own representation of solicitor and two counsel (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and jailed for three years in 2008.