A CHINESE woman who is charged with keeping brothels and trafficking women for prostitution has appeared before magistrates.

Hai Huong Truong, 26, of Sussex Road, New Romney, faces five charges.

Three relate to assisting in the management of three brothels in Folkestone and another is controlling activity of another person in relation to her prostitution in any part of the world for or in expectation of gain for herself.

The fifth charge is that she internationally arranged and facilitated travel within the UK by another person, intending to do something to or in respect of that other person during or after the journey and in any part of the world, if done would have involved in the commission of a relevant offence contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

Prosecutor Evelyn Hawkins said the allegations related to brothels in the Folkestone and Canterbury areas.

Mrs Hawkins told Folkestone magistrates' court: "She was involved not only in keeping brothels but moving females around to these properties for prostitution."

The case was adjourned for eight weeks, until Thursday, May 25. It will then be sent to crown court. Truong was released on unconditional bail.