Police have issued $12,500 in Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to employees and customers at a Western Sydney brothel, which was still operating in breach of current Public Health Orders.
About 10.15pm yesterday (Monday 30 August 2021), officers from Cumberland Police Area Command attended a brothel at Rydalmere, after receiving a report via Crime Stoppers that it was still in operation – a breach of the Public Health Orders.
The officers first spoke with the 57-year-old female owner before entering the premises and locating three female employees – aged 31, 36, and 56 – and two male patrons – aged 56 and 57, none of whom were wearing face masks.
All parties initially denied the business was operating – one man stating he was quoting for painting works, and the other visiting his girlfriend.
Police soon confirmed the business had been operating, and the group was advised they would each receive a PIN for not wearing face masks and all but the 36-year-old woman, who was living at the location, would receive a PIN for breaching curfew in an area of concern.
Further, the owner was issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – corporation.
All parties were directed to return to their homes, but a short time later, police observed the 31-year-old woman attempting to return to the location.
She was arrested and taken to Granville Police Station, where she was charged with not comply with curfew-area of concern and not wear fitted face covering indoor area of common property.
The Strathfield woman was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday 5 October 2021.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
