A registered massage therapist (later unregistered) was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and mischief.
The Crown alleged that over a period from 2013 to 2021, the defendant engaged in unwanted touching of complainants' genitalia and breasts during massage treatments, as well as improper draping and exposure.
The defendant denied all allegations, claiming any touching was accidental or consensual.
The trial involved extensive evidence from multiple complainants, expert testimony regarding professional massage therapy standards, and a successful similar fact application.
The court found the defendant guilty of eight counts of sexual assault and one count of mischief, while acquitting on two counts where the evidence did not meet the beyond reasonable doubt standard.
