Two former brothels for sale at knock-down price

TWO brothels which featured heavily in a high-profile court case are to be sold – but for a knock-down price.

The proceeds of the sales of the two run-down Cork city premises are set to go to the Minister for Finance, but because both buildings are in poor repair, they are expected to sell for the basic site value.

The premises, each with about five rooms, are likely to make around €200,000 between them, a fraction of the sums garnered during their use as brothels.

Criminal Assets Bureau legal officer Frank Cassidy confirmed he had instructions from the High Court to sell the two, located at 18 Lower John Street, and Grafton House, 18 Grafton Street.

The High Court order was made in February of this year, said Mr Cassidy, but the CAB decided to await the outcome of last week’s trial of 39-year old Caroline O’Leary, Scartbarry, Watergrasshill, who was found guilty on seven counts relating to the management of brothels. She, and Tony Linnane, 53, also of Scartbarry, and Julieanne Gibson, 41, of 4 Springvale, Old Youghal Road, are due for sentencing in relation to the charges on May 12.

The prosecutions came about after a successful raid of the premises by CAB, gardaí, Revenue and immigration officials on November 20, 2006.

Viewing is by appointment only.