Brothel client's bizarre excuse after huge $12,500 Covid fine

Employees and customers at a western Sydney brothel have been slapped with $12,500 worth of fines for breaching lockdown restrictions.

NSW Police said they were called to a brothel in Rydalmere at 10:15pm on Monday after receiving a report via Crime Stoppers that it was still in operation — a breach of the current Public Health Orders.

"The officers first spoke with the 57-year-old female owner before entering the premises and locating three female employees – aged 31, 36, and 56 – and two male patrons – aged 56 and 57, none of whom were wearing face masks," NSW Police said.

All five people told officers the business was not operating.

Man gives police bizarre excuse

One of the men said he was "quoting for painting works", while the other claimed he was visiting his girlfriend.

NSW Police said it was able to immediately confirm the brothel was running and gave all parties a fine for not wearing face masks.

Each individual was fined $500 for not wearing a face mask and another $1000 each for breaking curfew in an LGA of concern.

"Further, the owner was issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – corporation," NSW police said.

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Woman tries to return to brothel

All five people were told to go home, but a short time later, police said they saw the 31-year-old woman attempting to return to the location.

She was arrested, taken to Granville Police Station and charged with not complying with curfew in an area of concern and not wearing a fitted face covering in a property's common area.

The Strathfield woman was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on October 5.

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