Bunbury Masseur Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Assaults on Multiple Clients
Anthony Brain, a 39-year-old masseur from Bunbury, has been handed a substantial prison term of 15 years and six months for sexually assaulting 13 clients during what were supposed to be therapeutic massage sessions. The District Court of Western Australia delivered the sentence after a two-month trial that concluded late last year, where Brain faced 36 charges including sexual penetration without consent, indecent assault, and aggravated indecent assault.
Details of the Crimes and Trial Proceedings
A jury found Brain guilty of 25 offences against the 13 victims, with the initial complaints from two women prompting others to come forward. The assaults occurred at the Nomadic Masseur clinic, which was marketed as offering remedial massage services for relaxation or muscle pain relief. Instead, clients were subjected to severe violations under the guise of professional therapy.
Brain, who was on bail during the trial, used deceptive tactics to justify his actions. He referred to digital penetration as "pelvic floor massage" and described inappropriate breast touching as "lymphatic drainage massage." Additionally, he told victims about his lifestyle in a nudist colony and claimed to be sexually liberated, even testifying in graphic detail about mutual touching with a complainant on his massage table.
Impact on Victims and Sentencing Outcome
The victims, including one with muscular dystrophy confined to a wheelchair, were unable to escape the assaults. One woman described feeling "frozen and very awkward" when Brain touched her vagina without consent, stating she knew it was wrong but waited for it to end. Another victim reported shock and confusion, noting that while she had signed a form allowing breast massage, Brain's actions were inappropriate and exceeded any consent given.
In sentencing, the court emphasized the severity of the crimes and the breach of trust involved. Brain will be eligible for parole after serving 13 years and six months of his sentence. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in therapeutic settings and the need for robust legal responses to sexual misconduct.
Support services are available for those affected by sexual assault, including the Sexual Assault Resource Centre at 1800 199 888.
