A convicted killer, Charles Frayne Cardiff Murderer, coerced a 16-year-old girl into prostitution and received a portion of her earnings following a sexual relationship with her. He was apprehended after law enforcement arrived at a flat he had leased for the girl to meet clients and discovered him partially clothed.
Charles Frayne, 46, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1998 for the murder of jeweller Gerry Hales, who was fatally stabbed during a heist in Cowbridge. Subsequent to his release, the defendant made further court appearances, the most recent being in 2017 for possession of a bladed weapon and criminal damage.
During a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Tuesday, it was revealed that Charles Frayne was found in a Cardiff residence on April 15, 2021, with his victim, after police were alerted by a man worried about ongoing prostitution activities. Upon opening the door of the Colum Road flat, Charles Frayne was half attired, and his countenance altered upon encountering the cops.
The victim thereafter approached the door and provided a fictitious name and age, claiming to be 20 years old, however she exhibited signs of nervousness and was trembling. Additional suspicions emerged upon the discovery of open condom packets, lingerie and a journal detailing sexual acts in the apartment.
Prosecutor Julia Cox said: “It was quite clear to police some element of sexual activity was ongoing.” At some point, another woman arrived at the property and referred to the victim by another name to the one she had given to police.
When the victim was spoken to alone, she told police she had met Charles Frayne on Snapchat and was actually 16-years-old. In an interview, she said the defendant assisted her in opening an account on a website linked to prostitution and gave her the money to do so.
She said she obtained clients and would pay Charles Frayne a section of her earnings. He rented out the property in Colum Road through an Airbnb for four days, and he would be present when she was with clients in another room. He also paid for her food and taxi expenses.
Charles Frayne, of no fixed abode, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing or inciting prostitution, but maintained he genuinely believed the victim to be 20-years-old. As well as his conviction for murder, the defendant has previous convictions for perverting the course of justice, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. As a result if his latest conviction, he has been recalled to prison.
In mitigation, Marian Lewis said her client was “sofa surfing” at the time of the offence because of his difficulties in his relationship. She described the offence as “out of character” and by him pleading guilty he had spared the victim from having to give evidence.
The Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke sentenced Charles Frayne to 10 months imprisonment. She also made him subject to a restraining order for four years.
Following the hearing, Detective Constable Sean James, from South Wales Police, said: “Charles Frayne gained the female’s trust by paying for food and taxi before forming a sexual relationship. Once he gained her trust, he then funded an advert on an escort website and caused her to become involved in prostitution..
“This has been a lengthy and complex investigation, His guilty plea reflects the strength of evidence against him because of the police investigation and the bravery of the victim. The impact on the victim has been devastating but she has been extremely resilient and patient since the start of this investigation.”
In an e-mail to South Wales Police, the victim’s mother wrote: “My daughter and I would like to thank South Wales Police and particularly Sean for all their help in the case. Sean has been there right from the start supporting us and has always been there when we needed him. Thank you for being amazing and we are happy that the defendant pleaded guilty, and we can move on with our lives.”
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