Fake masseur jailed for sexual assaults in Swale and Medway

Women who were sexually assaulted in Medway and Swale by a man who falsely advertised as a professional masseur have seen the offender jailed.

Joseph Mooney stated he was qualified to give massages on his Facebook page but had created a fake certificate to support his predatory behaviour.

On 14 December 2020, Mooney contacted a victim who had liked his social media page and offered her a discounted treatment.

He arranged to visit her home address where she asked him to concentrate on her shoulders and back. Mooney’s massage became increasingly indecent, accompanied with lewd comments, and the victim told him to stop.

After he left, the incident was reported to the police and Mooney was subsequently arrested.

Bogus business

Investigators looked into his bogus business and further victims were identified. It became apparent Mooney had used his Facebook platform to target women and offered discounts under the guise of being a newly qualified masseur seeking to expand his business.

In each case, Mooney attended an address of their choice and, after starting the massage, went on to sexually assault the victims. Some of them were shown his false qualifications and a number of the women gained the impression he was sexually aroused during the treatment.

Following his arrest, Mooney showed his certificate to officers as proof of his professional qualifications, but this was quickly found to be falsified.

Charged

Mooney, of Woodgrange Gardens, Enfield, London, was later charged. At Maidstone Crown Court he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault and possessing an article for use in a fraud.

On Tuesday 12 November 2024, the 44-year-old was sentenced to three years and four months' imprisonment. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.

Detective Constable Gemma Willis said:

‘When women receive a massage to assist their recovery from injury or other ailments they expect to be treated by a qualified professional. These victims placed their trust in Mooney who had falsified his credentials. He then went on to abuse them when they were at their most vulnerable.
‘Mooney is an appalling predatory individual who has left women feeling violated by his actions. I can only hope his imprisonment allows them some closure following the ordeal they all suffered.’