Physiotherapist Walks Free After Controversial 'Research' Defence
A 44-year-old physiotherapist from Innsbruck, Austria, has been acquitted of abusing his professional authority after a judge accepted his extraordinary claim that fondling a patient's breasts and placing her nipple in his mouth constituted 'academic research'. The verdict was delivered on November 8 following a trial that examined the disturbing incident.
The Incident and Bizarre Justification
The case involved a female patient, understood to be in her 30s, who had visited the therapist's practice seeking treatment for muscle tension, neck pain, and menstrual discomfort. Instead of providing appropriate care, the practitioner admitted in court that his curiosity about her breast implants overrode his professional duty.
During his testimony, the man, who is also a father, stated: 'Yes, I felt up her breasts and put a nipple in my mouth.' He elaborated that he was investigating how implants felt because his wife was considering breast enlargement surgery in the future. He described his actions as, 'so to speak, an academic research', adding that he did not view the woman as a patient but as a friend, and claimed he had asked for permission.
Judge's Ruling and Case Details
Prosecutors detailed that the act escalated when the therapist licked one of her nipples, prompting the woman to tell him to stop and suggesting he should 'do that with his wife instead'. The court also heard that the woman had previously experienced sexist comments from the therapist during earlier appointments, which she had initially dismissed.
However, Judge Michael Bohler found the defendant's account 'not entirely implausible'. A significant factor in the acquittal was the judge's observation that the woman had removed her bra herself. Judge Bohler concluded, 'I see no sexual intent in this case,' before clearing the physiotherapist of all charges.
The case has sparked debate about professional boundaries and the interpretation of consent within therapeutic relationships, particularly given the acknowledged friendship between the therapist, his wife, and the patient.
