A massage therapist is facing jail after subjecting a woman to a two-hour sexual assault during a treatment for a sports injury. Happy Suwali, 38, instructed the victim to undress, leaving only a small towel, before groping her breasts and private parts.
Details of the assault
Prosecutor Simon Jessop told the court: 'The massage went on for some considerable time. She paid for 45 to 60 minutes but she describes it going on for almost two hours. She felt extremely uncomfortable because obviously she was in an enclosed area and didn’t feel able to leave.'
Suwali, who conducted sessions at his home in Norwich and advertised his services on social media under the name 'Happy Massage', admitted three counts of sexual assault. Magistrates sent the case to Norwich Crown Court, as their sentencing powers were insufficient for the starting point of two years' imprisonment for such offences.
Advertising and breach of trust
Suwali's adverts on platforms including Instagram offered clients 'ultimate relaxation and wellness' through Swedish and deep tissue massages, promising to 'elevate your spirit, nourish your body.' He also promoted free massages to volunteers under special promotions. The prosecutor noted that the sexual assault was a 'serious breach of trust' as Suwali presented himself as a qualified masseur. 'If you are setting yourself up online as a business that invites people around to your house where a sexual assault occurs, that crosses the line into the more serious category in terms of planning,' Mr Jessop added.
Defence and background
Bethanie Mantin, defending, described her client as an 'extremely vulnerable individual' with autism and learning disabilities. She stated: 'Despite pleading guilty he states he had no intention of causing harm whatsoever. He says it was not for sexual gratification. It was something he thought he should [do]. I appreciate this seems like a bizarre statement to make but it should be seen within the context of his mental disorders. He does now accept that it was wrong and is deeply remorseful and sorry for his actions.'
Wider industry concerns
In 2022, women who had been sexually assaulted by massage therapists shared their harrowing experiences and called for greater regulation of the industry. Victims told BBC radio's File On 4 how they were abused while naked and alone with men they believed to be trusted practitioners. Most attacks occurred in the client's home after booking via apps or websites offering mobile beauty and wellness services. The programme highlighted that the industry remains largely unregulated, with no licensing requirements, meaning anyone—even those without qualifications or with criminal convictions—can practice as a massage therapist.
Suwali will be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on June 22.
