Causing or Inducing Prostitution

Causing or Inducing Prostitution is an offence under Section 15A of the Summary Offences Act 1988 which carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison.

To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:

1. You caused or induced another person to commit an act of prostitution, or to surrender the proceeds of prostitution, and
2. You did so by coercive conduct or undue influence

You are not guilty if you are able to satisfy the court, ‘on the balance of probabilities’, that you had lawful authority to engage in the conduct.

Duress is also a defence to the charge.