A MOTHER-OF-THREE told yesterday how she worked as a prostitute for two-and-a-half years to pay off her family's debts.

The 40-year-old, from Darlington, said she was forced to sell her body to pay off more than £10,000 worth of debt.

She spoke after a hearing at Teesside Crown Court, in which 34-year-old James Eric Dixon was locked up for four years for hitting her over the head with a baseball bat.

The attack happened after the victim, who worked under the name of Joanne, in Middlesbrough's red light district, was picked up by Dixon and offered £120 for sex.

She was taken to a warehouse and had sex, but was savagely beaten over the head, and was later taken to hospital for stitches.

Following the case, Joanne said she remembered the attack as if it was yesterday.

She said: "I had been working for more than two years as a prostitute. I felt I didn't have any choice. Lots of girls are out there because they are on drugs, but I was just trying to help my family make ends meet.

"The whole thing was a nightmare, and even though I had discussed it with my husband, it was still very difficult for us.

"The attack was horrendous, and I remember asking why he was doing this to me. He seemed so genuine. All he could say was that he lost his temper now and again."

Even though the attack lasted just seconds, she is still trying to come to terms with the ordeal and to get her life back on track.

She has vowed never to turn to prostitution again, and has warned other girls to be careful of doing the same.

Joanne said: "Anyone who reads this and is thinking of turning to prostitution should think twice. It really isn't worth it, because you always think it won't be you that's attacked.

"I'm still recovering, and I think I will be for the rest of my life. I just can't forget it. It will haunt me for the rest of my life."