Masseur Betrays Trust at Luxury Spa
A luxury spa masseur who sexually assaulted five female clients has been spared an immediate prison sentence. Ibrahim Ali, 36, from Datchet in Berkshire, targeted women who had booked back and foot massages at the upmarket Nirvana Spa in Wokingham.
The Pattern of Assault
The offences took place during treatments between November and December of last year. The court heard that Ali would instruct the women to wear paper underwear. He then proceeded to pull the towels covering their bodies lower than was necessary for the treatment, using this as an opportunity to touch them inappropriately.
Following a police investigation, Ali was initially charged with four counts of sexual assault by touching in July. A further count was added in September. He pleaded guilty to all five charges.
Suspended Sentence and Further Victims
At his sentencing, it was revealed that two more victims came forward after Ali's conviction, bringing the total number of known victims to seven. Instead of a custodial sentence, the judge handed Ali a two-year suspended sentence.
His sentence also includes several other requirements:
- Completion of 40 days of rehabilitation activity.
- 150 hours of unpaid work.
- A payment of £500 in compensation to each of his seven victims.
Shilpa Shah, a lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated: ‘These women should have been able to feel safe and relaxed during their treatments. Instead, Ibrahim Ali betrayed their trust, leaving them feeling distressed and violated.’
She emphasised that the strikingly similar accounts from women who did not know each other formed a crucial part of the compelling case against him, which led to his guilty plea.
The Nirvana Spa, which boasts an annual membership of £2,000 and has hosted celebrities like Dame Helen Mirren and Daniel Craig, confirmed that Ali is no longer employed there. A spokesperson reiterated that the safety and well-being of customers is their highest priority.
