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Brothel keeper, who "courageously" claimed he spent benefits of criminal activity on business expenses, loses appeal
Summary
Martin Morgan, 53, of Highbury Road, London, was convicted in 2008 of organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment between 22 August and 10 October 2005. He was jailed for three years. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ordered the confiscation of €252,908, calculated from the likely net profit of the business during the offending period. The Court of Appeal reduced the amount by €9,000, acknowledging a failure to deduct €9,397 seized from Morgan. The appeal was dismissed. Justice John Hedigan ruled that a person who benefits from crime must pay the State an amount equivalent to the criminally obtained benefit, regardless of the source. The order may be enforced against any assets Morgan possesses at the time. Morgan's barrister, Paul Greene SC, argued that Morgan had spent the entire benefit on business expenses and had no realisable assets, but the court rejected this claim. Martin Morgan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Brothel keeper, who "courageously" claimed he spent benefits of criminal activity on business expenses, loses appeal. Charges or matters: organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment in the city centre on dates between August 22 to October 10, 2005. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- August 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10, 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-07-31 Publication
Why: However, he said Morgan had nothing that was realisable because he had spent the entire benefit realised by him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: organising prostitution and running a brothel at a Bachelor's Walk apartment in the city centre on dates between August 22 to October 10, 2005 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and jailed for three years in 2008.
Places mentioned
- Highbury Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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