A SOLICITOR has questioned why prostitutes who ply their trade in Blackburn's red light district are regularly prosecuted but their "customers" rarely appear in court.

Stephen Parker told Blackburn magistrates there were two sides to every story but the court only ever seemed to hear one.

"We regularly hear a prosecution case just like the one we have heard today," said Mr Parker. "A woman stood at the roadside, looking into passing cars trying to attract the attention of passing motorists.

"What I would like to know is what happens to these motorists? I cannot remember the last time I represented a man who was driving one of these cars who picked up a prostitute, it certainly has not been within the last 18 months," he added.

Mr Parker was representing Debbie Louise Bannister, 30, of Exeter Street, Blackburn, who had pleaded guilty to loitering for the purpose of prostitution on Bank Top. She was fined £20 with £20 costs.

Mr Parker said Bannister had not got involved with prostitution because she enjoyed the lifestyle.

"Rightly or wrongly, she has gone into it because of the money," he said. "She is in the business because of the money and when she gets fined it means she has to go out and do a few extra hours on the street."

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