A massage therapist who sexually assaulted women while they lay face down on his mobile massage table has been convicted. Steven Cafferky, 42, of Fernleigh in Leyland, was found guilty of 13 counts of sexual assault on a female and outraging public decency following a week-long trial at Preston Crown Court.
Abuse during home visits
Cafferky operated "Hands On Massage Therapy," offering treatment for customers "in the comfort of your own home/place of work" across Lancashire and Southport. Several victims said they initially assumed it was "an accident" when his genitals touched them. However, when Cafferky pressed his genitals against their hand, they realised it was deliberate. Others described how he would grip their ankle and press his genitals into the sole of their foot.
Prosecutor Richard Haworth said: "Steven Cafferky purports, or rather purported, to be a masseur. His business rejoiced under the name of Hands On Mobile Massage. Under this guise, he conducted a campaign of sexually assaulting numerous female customers for his own sexual gratification. His offending was prolific."
Investigation and further assault
Cafferky's offending came to light when a woman he molested confided in a friend who she knew had used his services. The friend said she too had been abused, and the pair approached the police together. Investigations uncovered 10 women who had been sexually assaulted. All of the women have automatic anonymity because of the nature of the crimes against them.
Cafferky denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was running a legitimate massage service. But the prosecution said all the women were "singing from the same hymn sheet," even though they did not know each other. The court heard his victims described feeling "violated" and "ashamed," saying they "froze" when they realised what was happening. Some felt unable to share what had happened with their partners.
Blackpool attack and conviction
Lancashire Constabulary officers also discovered he was responsible for a sexual assault in Blackpool when a woman walking alone was grabbed by Cafferky, who was wearing running gear and had pulled his shorts down to touch his genital area. The woman said she did not hear her attacker approaching, as she was wearing headphones, but described how the stranger touched her genitals and grabbed her around the waist, attempting to lift her off the ground. She turned around and took out her phone to record him, managing to capture him as he ran away towards the Promenade. Cafferky was later identified through a CCTV appeal. Several of his massage victims also reported their abuse after seeing the appeal on social media.
Cafferky pleaded not guilty to all charges but was found guilty. He will be sentenced on September 29 at the same court.
