Labour chief slams site advertising prostitutes from Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Newcastle (From The Northern Echo)

Labour chief slams site advertising prostitutes from Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Newcastle

1:24pm Wednesday 30th September 2009 in

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ARNOLD Schwarzenegger was ordered to "terminate" a controversial website that allows men to recommend hundreds of prostitutes from across the region.

Harriet Harman, Labour's deputy leader, condemned the site - called 'PunterNet' - for encouraging men to buy sex, adding: "It is truly degrading and puts women at risk."

The site advertises dozens of prostitutes in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, as well as smaller numbers from Durham City, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Harrogate and Scarborough.

In total, it lists tens of thousands from across Britain - inviting men to describe their experience and whether they would recommend a prostitute to other 'punters'.

But, Ms Harman, told the Brighton conference, the website was based in California - which meant the British Government had no power to shut it down.

She told delegates: "You know trip advisor - a website where guests put their comments on line for others to see.

"There is now a website, like that, where pimps put women on sale for sex and then men who've had sex with them put their comments on line. It is 'PunterNet' and fuels the demand for prostitutes. It is truly degrading and puts women at risk.

"I've called on California's governor Arnie Schwarzenegger to close it down. Surely it can't be too difficult for the Terminator to terminate PunterNet? If he doesn't, I'll be back."

The site links to the websites of prostitutes - including, in Darlington, 'Syliva of Darlington,', 'Top North Escorts' and 'Northern Angels' - also listing mobile phone numbers.

Men can then call up "field reports", such as one that reads: "New place, she says, near the centre of Darlington. Directions needed first time, but it is very discreet and in a safe area. Plenty of parking around the area.

"An absolute joy to spend the time with Sylvia. A greater joy to have good sex with her. I left satisfied."

The "report" also lists the price paid.

Ms Harman's condemnation of the website follows the Government's plans to make it a criminal offence to buy sex from a prostitute controlled by a pimp, or from trafficked women - a growing problem.

The new offence will carry a fine of up to 1,000 and a criminal record, which could prevent those caught from getting work in sensitive jobs.

Ms Harman said: "We know that prostitution is not work. It's exploitation of women by men - often women who have mental health problems, or drug or alcohol addiction."