LONDON - The man who ran the "happiest male brothel in Britain" was jailed for 18 months yesterday.
David Baty (38) looked after his "boys" well, gave them regular health checks, and even sent them on self improvement courses. He also kept his premises beautifully and won a local council award for his flower filled garden and perfectly manicured hanging baskets.
But last June undercover vice squad agents targeted the brothel, in Kensington Palace Gate in London just 150 yards from Princess Diana's home.
Five officers posing as potential clients called at the establishment. They were offered tea or fruit juice - alcohol was banned on the premises. They were then shown into a room with a two way mirror, so they could choose from 15 male prostitutes aged between 18 and 25. The officers turned down other services and opted for a £65 massage.
Mr Barry Forward, prosecuting, conceded to Southwark Crown Court that Baty was highly thought of, and was often called "caring". "He did all sorts of things to accommodate the prostitutes and helped them with personal problems," he said. "They, were under no pressure at all. In fact, there were always young men waiting to join and they seemed to leave with regret."
"Frankly, one could not accuse Mr Baty or anyone else involved of taking advantage of these young men. They came forward willingly and happily to earn the money they did."
Ms Linda Stradwick, defending, said that Baty, who had since moved out of his £30,000 a year flat next to the brothel and now lived at an undisclosed address in the City of London, was hoping to set up a gardening business in Australia.
"Gardening is his real love," she said.