A CHURCH ELDER EXPOSED HIMSELF TO A BEAUTY THERAPIST DURING A HOTEL MASSAGE TREATMENT, SELKIRK SHERIFF COURT HAS BEEN TOLD.
A church elder has come under investigation after allegedly exposing himself to a beauty therapist during a massage at a high-end hotel, Selkirk Sheriff Court was informed.Charles Fraser, aged 66, a retired businessman and clerk for a Children’s Panel advisory committee, was receiving a full-body massage in the spa area of the Barony Castle Hotel near Eddleston, close to Peebles, on May 23.
During the one-hour treatment, Fraser told the therapist that abdominal massage was his preferred area.
When she turned away to retrieve more massage oil, she found Fraser had removed his towel and was lying on his back with his hands raised above his head, displaying signs of arousal.
Shocked, the therapist left the room immediately and described Fraser as “a perv” to a colleague.
Fraser, who is married, explained that his conduct was related to the effects of prostate cancer treatment.
The prosecutor, Tessa Bradley, detailed how Fraser and his wife Maureen had been in the hotel bar when he booked the massage.
He requested a full-body session, and during the appointment, he shared details about his cancer and radiotherapy.
The therapist was advised to keep her underwear on but noticed Fraser’s discomfort and attempted to steer the massage.
While massaging his back, Fraser began moving his hips and made comments about her skills.
He specifically asked for massage on his abdomen and buttocks.
When asked to turn onto his back, her next visit revealed Fraser had lowered the towel, exposing his erect penis.
She quickly covered him again and left the room feeling uncomfortable.
She later told a colleague she could no longer continue and that Fraser should handle his payment, which he did, leaving a tip.
The hotel staff then contacted authorities, and Fraser admitted that he had been told to keep his underwear on but suggested he may have lowered the towel and that he was aroused, attributing this to his medication.
His solicitor confirmed Fraser had been undergoing prostate cancer treatment, including injections that suppress testosterone, which ended active treatment in January 2013 but required ongoing monitoring.
She emphasized that abdominal massage is a common, non-sexual therapy that Fraser had previously experienced without issues.
She also stated Fraser was genuinely remorseful, attributing his behavior to the drugs and a relaxed state.
From Dalkeith, Fraser, who has no prior convictions, has been involved in volunteer activities, including church elder and Children’s Panel clerk roles.
Married for over four decades, he had been staying overnight at the hotel with his wife.
His legal representative expressed regret, linking his actions to the side effects of medication and an unusually relaxed state.
Fraser has pleaded guilty to intentionally exposing himself with sexual intent.
His sentencing has been postponed until February 2 for additional reports, and he has been placed on the Sex Offender Register.
