Two Monash massage parlours declared brothels by court

TWO massage parlours in Melbourne’s east have been declared illegal brothels in court — and police say complaints included one from a parent who alleged their 16-year-old had been offered sexual services.

Happy Day Spa Massage in Oakleigh has been declared a proscribed brothel.

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TWO Monash massage parlours have been identified as illegal brothels.

Magistrate Franz Holzer declared two premises — Forever Young at 5/49 Batesford Rd, Chadstone, and Happy Day Spa Massage at 12 Johnson St, Oakleigh — proscribed brothels.

Police had applied to have the two sites declared proscribed brothels under the Sex Work Act, following a raid of the premises on March 28.

At an earlier hearing on March 31, Sen-Constable Nick Howley told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court the raids had followed months of investigation during which police had compiled substantial evidence the proprietor was not a licensed sexual services provider.

Sen-Constable Howley, of the Sex Industry Co-ordination Unit, said police had done extensive surveillance of the premises.

There was also ample evidence of online advertising material — including on an “international sex guide” — linked to the businesses featuring lingerie-clad women and promoting “young, sexy Asian girls”, Sen-Constable Howley told the court.

Police had received complaints from the community about the premises, including one from an “outraged” parent who alleged their 16-year-old son had been offered sexual services, he said.

Sen-Constable Howley spoke further about the significant harm caused by illegal brothels in general, including the exploitation of often very vulnerable women and the potential for sexually transmitted diseases.

The respondent was not present for the hearing.

In making his decision yesterday, Mr Holzer said he was satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the two premises were proscribed brothels.

“I am satisfied the evidence I have heard is credible and trustworthy,” Mr Holzer said.

The declaration must be served to the respondent, posted at the entrance to the premises and published in a newspaper circulating in the area of the premises.

It is an offence to be found in, entering or leaving premises that have been declared a proscribed brothel.

An Ormond man, 38, has been charged with knowingly carrying on a business as an unlicensed sex work service provider, recklessly carrying on a business as an unlicensed sex work service provider and possessing proceeds of crime.

He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, to face these charges, on July 28.