Dear friends,
We have asked you to write before in support of Sheila Farmer demanding that her prosecution for brothel-keeping be dropped. We ask now if you can please write again.
Ms Farmer’s case has been widely publicised: despite her ill health she spoke to 5000 people at the SlutWalk march in Trafalgar Sq on 11 June, a protest was held outside the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on 1st July, over a thousand people have written to her MP, and Women Against Rape and ourselves met with DPP Keir Starmer urging him to intervene, which he has so far refused to do. However, there is a strong indication that all the letters and publicity are having an impact.
The CPS has put out misinformation saying that Ms Farmer ran a nuisance brothel and was prosecuted because neighbours complained. None of the neighbours’ complaints were substantiated. Some were clearly false including a claim that children were on the premises. The police visited the premises and knew that Ms Farmer was leaving and still raided the flat a week later and arrested Ms Farmer. Further proof that this prosecution is vindictive.
We include below a model letter. Please add personal details and your own views as it will have more impact.
The case comes to court on 5 September. The letter should be sent to:
Keir Starmer, Director of Public Prosecutions
Crown Prosecution Service
Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge,
London SE1 9HS
[email protected]
COPY TO:
Jo Johnson MP,
House of Commons,
London, SW1A 0AA
Tel: 020 7219 7125
[email protected]
And to the English Collective of Prostitutes at the address above.
Best wishes,
Cari Mitchell
English Collective of Prostitutes
