Brothel that drove out neighbours is closed by an ASBO

A BROTHEL madam was put out of business on the orders of a sheriff yesterday after the sexual antics at her bordello drove neighbours from their homes.

Natalie Bradshaw, 28, a convicted prostitute, was given an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) banning her from the flat in Union Grove in Aberdeen's West End which she had used to operate a brothel.

The order, which will be in force for three months, was granted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, after an application by Grampian Police.

Bradshaw was convicted of keeping a brothel at another flat in the city last February and was sentenced to nine months' probation. But court papers, lodged in support of the ASBO, claimed police officers had recently found evidence that her flat in Union Grove was also being used for the purposes of prostitution.

Officers found a bedroom kitted as a sex den, with a large wooden cross, stocks and electric prods, as well as fantasy clothing, restraints and whips.

Two of her neighbours, according to court documents, had been forced to move out of their homes because "sex noises" from the flat kept them awake at night.

The papers stated: "The behaviour of Natalie Bradshaw and other persons using the premises is antisocial and constitutes significant, persistent and serious nuisance to members of the public.

"Such behaviour has caused alarm and distress to other residents of the block and has adversely affected their quality of life. Despite the enforcement action taken by Grampian Police, the premises continue to be a focus of antisocial behaviour."

Elaine Faulkner, representing Grampian Police, told the court: "The neighbours have been plagued with intrusive noises and are apprehensive about their own safety."

She said they could hear sex noises throughout the building and saw men lingering in the corridors through the building's CCTV.

"People still see people coming and going, with men staying there for sometimes just 15 minutes. Grampian Police have found further evidence pointing to it being used for prostitution. There is an ongoing investigation," she said.

The Crown is pursuing a proceeds-of-crime action against Bradshaw, who now lives in the city's Ashgrove Road West, claiming she made 70,000 from the prostitution venture.

She did not attend the court hearing and refused to comment when approached at her home yesterday.

A police spokesman said the order, granted by Sheriff Douglas Cusine, would result in the flat being sealed for three months.

Superintendent Adrian Watson said: "The distress and harm caused to the residents surrounding this particular premises has been considerable and I am very pleased that Grampian Police's use of this power should now result in a period of respite for these residents.

"Today's successful outcome is the culmination of many months of evidence gathering by my officers and close liaison with our partners in Aberdeen City Council. However, none of this would have been possible without the willingness of the residents to come forward and make their voices heard."