By Jo Rostron
A PROSTITUTE who is part of a hardcore of street workers has been banned from the Leeds red light district.
Thelma Fontaine was hit with an anti social behaviour order (Asbo) for three years following a crackdown on city centre vice.
Yesterday Leeds magistrates heard how the 40-year-old had notched up 29 convictions relating to the sex trade which date back to 1982.
This was the latest case to go through the courts following a joint investigation – Operation Crow – by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police's Drugs Intervention Programme (DiP) coordinated by Det Insp Richard James.
Fontaine, of Nineveh Gardens, Holbeck, was not in court to hear her fate.
Adrian Tonge, prosecuting, said: "It's the persistence of activity in her case that we are concerned with.
"The Holbeck and Water Lane area has been plagued by the activities of prostitutes and kerbcrawlers.
"There's a particular problem in this area causing alarm, harassment and distress to residents and those working in that area."
Mr Tonge told the court the measures had helped reduce problems in the area.
Summing up, Deputy District Judge Prof Mary Hayes said: "Prostitution is occurring in an area which is attracting people who are dealing in drugs and other related criminal activities.
"I do find that Miss Fontaine has behaved in an anti social manner. This type of behaviour does have an impact on ordinary members of the public trying to walk along those streets."
The order, which was made for three years, means that Fontaine is now banned from:
• Causing nuisance, alarm and distress;
• Loitering in any public place for the purpose of prostitution ;
• Engaging in any sexual conduct in any public place;
• Entering a stretch across Holbeck which includes the notorious Water Lane.
Speaking after the case, John Green, a council officer from the Anti Social Behaviour unit, said: "Miss Fontaine was one of a hardcore who have been working in prostitution for many years.
Pressure
"We will keep the pressure up. It won't be the last operation, but it has made great in-roads against prostitutes working down there and the associated nuisance."
Operation Crow has already seen nine hookers hit with interim Asbos. This was the fourth to have a full Asbo issued by the courts.
The operation has also seen a two-year red light zone ban slapped on Peter Allenby, 45, who admitted driving prostitutes in and out of Leeds.
jo.rostron@ypn.co.uk