A BRACKNELL man found guilty of managing two brothels walked free from court today.

Michael Adekoya's good character and the impact his imprisonment may have had on his young family saw him spared jail at his sentencing in Reading Crown Court this afternoon despite being found guilty of managing two brothels in Maidenhead over the course of four years. 

The 35-year-old rail engineer, previously claimed at trial that he was only a handy-man who helped with security for the girls at the brothel and still insists he was not involved in the managing of rotas for the prostitutes.

However Judge Ian Grainger said extensive phone records and evidence showed the girls working at the brothels viewed Adekoya, of Kilmington Close in Bracknell, as "the boss". 

A jury passed a unanimous guilty verdict following a four-day-trial at the beginning of January after prosecutors highlighted his paying of the rent and identification by the landlords that he was one of the signed tenants.

Stephen Olubunmi Akinsanya, defending, said: "He does not see himself as being the person who actually owned the brothel. He has always accepted he paid the rent but certainly was not involved in managing the girls.

"The defendant makes it clear that had he been aware of any of the women being subjected to violence or not wanting to be there he would not have assisted in running it. 

He highlighted a number of good character references submitted which spoke of Adekoya's loyalty, kindness and dedication to his work.

The defence added: "His partner is very candid about the very difficult relationship and she speaks of his love for his two daughters, even one which is not biologically his. He supported her though her post natal depression.

"If his support structure is removed even temporarily from the family there is a real risk that the family would suffer both in a financial and an emotional way."

Both prosecution and defence accepted there was no evidence of any under age girls, no illegal immigrants, drugs, noise and "not even any evidence of parking problems for residents" at the Maidenhead brothels.

Adekoya was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment on two charges of managing brothels, to run concurrently, but suspended for 18 months.

He must also undertake 200 hours unpaid community work and inform police if he signs any leases for property in the next 18 months.