A SEX shop owner accused of running a brothel has put his remote eight-bedroom mansion up for sale.

John Middleton, who is charged with two counts of living on the earnings of prostitution, is selling Barrenthwaite Hall, at North Stainmore, Cumbria, for almost £400,000.

The 59-year-old owner of the Pleasure Zone sex shop, in High Northgate, Darlington, appeared in court last week along with his wife, Lesley, and another woman, Catherine MacLeod, of Wesley Court, Darlington, who were charged with aiding and abetting him.

The hall, which is near Kirkby Stephen, has two kitchens, eight bedrooms and a run-down outdoor swimming pool. It is set in 1.5 acres of land and comes complete with a tower attached to the house.

A website advertising the house says: "The property does require some updating and modernisation. However, the current owners are in the process of carrying out some of the works at the moment."

One of the bedrooms, in the tower of the house, is being refurbished.

Police raided the property as part of their investigation last month.

The three accused will appear again before South Durham magistrates on Tuesday, March 25.