A massage therapist's breach of trust has landed him behind bars after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a client during a remedial massage on the Sunshine Coast.
Jian Zhao, 59, was sentenced to 15 months in prison in Maroochydore District Court after a jury found him guilty of one count of sexual assault. The court heard the disturbing incident unfolded during a treatment session in late 2022.
The victim, whose identity is protected, had sought treatment for shoulder pain at the massage parlour where Zhao was employed. What was supposed to be a therapeutic experience quickly turned into a nightmare when Zhao began touching her inappropriately under her towel.
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the woman detailed the profound psychological trauma she has endured since the assault. "I've lost all trust in people, especially men in positions where I'm vulnerable," she stated. "I feel violated, anxious, and constantly on edge."
Judge Glen Cash acknowledged the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim. He emphasised the significant breach of professional conduct expected in therapeutic settings. "Those who seek treatment from health professionals are entitled to feel safe," Judge Cash remarked during the sentencing.
Zhao will be required to serve six months of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Upon his release, he will be registered as a sex offender, a measure intended to protect the community from future harm.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability clients can face and has sparked conversations about safety protocols within the wellness and therapeutic industries.
