Chinese Herbalist Charged With Sexual Assault In Australia

A 55-year-old Chinese herbalist was arrested on Wednesday by Sydney police for alleged sexual assaults of patients. He has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of sexual assault.

The alleged offences involved five women who attended his practice between 1992 and 2009.

Detective Inspector Peter Houlihan says police have received complaints from five women and are urging anyone else with information to contact them.

"Yesterday morning detectives at station City Central LAC arrested a 55-year-old Surry Hills man, an acupuncturist and herbalist at his work practice," he said.

"He was subsequently brought back to City Central Police and charged with four counts of indecent assault and four counts of sexual assault."

The women, aged between 29 and 49, were asked to undress before undergoing massage, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.

Police said the women were visiting the alleged offender for ailments including skin irritations and fertility complaints.

One of the women, an international student, also told police she obtained a fake medical certificate for $50 from the man.

Peter Houlahan said he believes there are a number people who can "help the investigation".

He "would not speculate" when asked whether the appeal was to help find further potential victims.

"There must be some people in the community with some knowledge of these assaults and we appeal for them to come forward," he said.

Inspector Houlahan would not reveal the exact nature of the assaults but said the incidents were not related.

He said the suspect had not assisted police during initial interviews.



Source: Medindia