Posted on 26th February 2013
A street worker found soliciting in Derby has been made the subject of the first Engagement and Support Order to be issued in Derbyshire.
The orders became law in 2010 to give the courts an alternative to punishing prostitutes by way of a fine for the offence of loitering or soliciting.
The 24-year-old will be required to attend three meetings with staff from the independent charity Women’s Work, who will seek to help her find a way out of prostitution.
Peartree Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team sought the order, which was granted by Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on February 18.
PC Michael Donegan is from the team. He said: “We work closely with other agencies to try and tackle prostitution and kerb crawling in Normanton and Peartree but we found that in some cases, the women would receive a fine and then go on to re-offend.
“This particular woman had previously received cautions for soliciting but she was not able to get out of the trade herself.
“We have now taken a new approach to try and help this woman get off the streets for good. She will have several sessions with Women’s Work to look at ways of getting out of prostitution.
“If she later re-offends then she will be brought back before the court for further action.”