A WOMAN who allowed her home to be used as a brothel walked free from court yesterday.

Although the terraced house in Shildon, County Durham, was in the name of Carol Ann Smith, it was accepted she made little profit from the venture.

She was arrested after a police inquiry into activities at the house, in Redworth Road, in July, following a complaint understood to have been made by neighbours.

Smith, 59, who agreed she allowed a friend to use the house for prostitution, was facing a potential prison sentence of up to six months after admitting a charge of keeping a brothel when she appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court last month.

The magistrates committed the case to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court.

But, when the case was called yesterday, Judge Christopher Prince immediately made it clear he would not impose a prison sentence.

“She has allowed a friend to use her premises for the purposes of prostitution and pleaded ‘guilty’ at the first opportunity.

“Although she has some previous convictions there is nothing for some time or of this nature.”

He said he was therefore minded to impose a conditional discharge.

Joanne Kidd, for Smith, who said she had some health issues, added: “This has been a warning shot across her bows.”

Passing sentence, Judge Prince told Smith she had had a prison sentence of up to six months hanging over her for the past five weeks.

“I will impose a conditional discharge for 12 months and you must keep out of trouble for a year and you will hear no more about this.”

Smith, now of Guisborough Lane, Saltburn, east Cleveland, has been subject to a proceeds of crime financial inquiry since her guilty plea at the magistrates’ court.

But Rachel Masters, prosecuting, told yesterday’s hearing: “Having consulted the financial investigator in this case it would appear she has no assets and I don’t think it’s in the public interest to pursue a confiscation order.”