Hove escort agency closed for three months by police

A Hove escort agency has been closed for three months over noise, drunkenness, drugs and threats to members of the public.

Magistrates passed a three month closure order on the premises in Rosa Court, Waterloo Street, Hove, occupied by Brighton Belles, on 12 November.

The order means anyone remaining or entering the premises would be liable for arrest.

Court records list Peter and Adele Wakeham as the occupants. A Peter Wakeham and Adele Erridge, both of Amherst Crescent, Hove are listed on Companies House as members of a limited liability partnership called South Coast Belles

Sussex Police said they sought the order because of complaints from residents.

A spokesman said: “Brighton Magistrates’ Court issued a closure order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, on Brighton Belles in Waterloo Street, Hove, on Tuesday (November 12).

“The three-month closure order was granted after a number of reports from residents to the police and city council regarding anti-social behaviour incidents outside the premises. These included noise, drunkenness, drug dealing and threats being made to the public.

“Police have been in consultation with partner agencies regarding the closure order, including the safeguarding of the employees.

“Last December, a 59-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, both from Hove, and a 54-year-old woman from Brighton, were arrested on suspicion of causing or inciting prostitution for gain; keeping a brothel; controlling prostitution for gain; keeping or managing a brothel used for prostitution; and arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

“The man and the 57-year-old woman were additionally arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon for the discharge of an electrical incapacitate.

“The man and the woman aged 57 have been released under investigation. The 54-year-old woman has been released without further action.”