A decision to allow a two people who admitted running a brothel in Belfast to walk free from court has been branded appalling.

Robert Montgomery (49) and Kruawan Ngamwili (34) received suspended prison sentences yesterday after admitting controlling prostitutes flown into Belfast to work.

One of the women based at the flat was said to have arrived from Switzerland to spend weeks plying her trade there.

Alliance MLA Anna Lo said the couple “made their money through the misery of women”.

“I am appalled by this decision, the sentence does not seem to be severe enough considering what they have been convicted of,” she said.

Belfast SDLP councillor Pat McCarthy said the sentence “sent out a message that you can get away with this sort of crime”.

“The trafficking of women and prostitution is on the rise and treating people who are convicted of crimes like this so leniently is sending out a very poor message,” he said.

Montgomery, of Keel Park, Moneyrea, Newtownards, and Ngamwili, from Levison Way, London, were arrested following a police raid last November.

Both were in the apartment along with another woman who confirmed she was a prostitute, Belfast Magistrates Court heard.

The prostitute alleged she was working for Kruawan, who she referred to as Mrs K.

“She was told she could earn extra money by having sex with customers,” a lawyer for the prosecution said.

It was claimed that under this arrangement she would keep half the cash and hand over the rest.

Montgomery's role was said to involve collecting women from the airport and renting the premises.

Ngamwili was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years.

Montgomery, who also admitted his involvement, was given a three month jail sentence, suspended for the same period.