A FORMER Labor Party official accused of employing underaged girls at a Port Kembla brothel has pleaded not guilty to more than 30 child prostitution charges.Neville Francis Hilton answered "not guilty" 31 times as the lengthy indictment was read out today in the New South Wales District Court, sitting in Wollongong. The alleged offences related to sex work performed by two girls, aged 13 and 14, at a brothel he allegedly part-owned.
The 64-year-old was once the president of the Albion Park branch of the ALP.
Prosecutors allege he was legally responsible for the girls' work at Southern Belles escorts, where the alleged offences occurred.
The defence requested the matter be transferred to a Sydney-based court and the prosecution did not object.
Judge Joe Phelan adjourned the matter for mention to a yet-to-be-determined Sydney court on June 18.
Bail also was continued but Mr Hilton was not required -to attend the next court date.
By Starsky and Hutch 6 June 04
