Prostitute suspected in assault of deaf, blind and mute man

From: Ha'aretz, Israel - Aug 5, 2004

By Tsahar Rotmen, Haaretz Correspondent

The police on Wednesday arrested a prostitute on suspicion she is connected to the assault of a 50-year-old blind, deaf and mute man and the theft of money from his Tel Aviv apartment.

Yiftah region policemen arrived Saturday morning at an apartment on Tidhar street following a complaint that a disabled man had been assaulted. The man, who had lost consciousness, was taken to Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital, where he is still hospitalized with broken ribs.

Only on Wednesday did the police succeed to obtain the man's version of events with assistance from his family members.

The investigation revealed that about a week ago a prostitute, with whom the man had a sexual relationship, arrived at his apartment. Following an argument that erupted between the two about the prostitute's pay, the woman left the apartment. She then allegedly returned accompanied by two men, who assaulted the disabled man. They also stole 1,000 pounds belonging to the assaulted man's brother, who lives abroad and was staying at the apartment.

Police succeeded on Wednesday afternoon in locating the prostitute, a 45-year-old Tel Aviv resident, and she was arrested. The woman confessed to her involvement in the incident and will be remanded in custody later on Thursday.

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