JOSEPH MOONEY FROM MIDDLESEX JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN MEDWAY AND SWALE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Medway and Swale, Joseph Mooney, a man from Middlesex, has been sentenced to prison for a series of sexual assaults carried out under the guise of offering professional massage services. The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals who exploit social media platforms to target vulnerable women under false pretenses.

Mooney, who falsely claimed to be a qualified masseur, used his Facebook page to promote his services. He went as far as creating a fake certification to lend an air of legitimacy to his fraudulent business. His deception was part of a calculated scheme to lure women seeking massage therapy, which he then exploited for sexual assault.

The first known incident occurred on December 14, 2020, when Mooney contacted a woman who had shown interest in his social media page. He offered her a discounted massage treatment and arranged to visit her home. During the appointment, the woman requested that he focus on her shoulders and back. However, what began as a professional massage quickly devolved into an indecent assault, with Mooney making lewd comments and engaging in inappropriate behavior. The victim, distressed and uncomfortable, asked him to stop, but the damage was done.

Following his departure, the victim reported the incident to the police. An investigation was launched, which uncovered a pattern of similar offenses. Authorities discovered that Mooney had been targeting women through his Facebook platform, offering discounts and claiming to be a newly qualified masseur eager to grow his clientele. He would attend the victims' homes, perform massages, and then proceed to sexually assault them. Some victims were shown his false qualifications, and several reported that Mooney appeared sexually aroused during the treatments.

Further scrutiny revealed that Mooney’s claims of professional credentials were entirely fabricated. When he was detained by police, he produced a certificate purportedly proving his qualifications. However, investigators quickly identified it as a forgery, confirming his deceit.

Mooney, who resides at Woodgrange Gardens in Enfield, London, was formally charged with multiple offenses. During his court appearance at Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault and possession of an item used for fraud. His actions not only betrayed the trust of his victims but also demonstrated a calculated effort to exploit their vulnerability.

On November 12, 2024, Mooney was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, designed to prevent any future offenses and protect the community from further harm. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying professional credentials and exercising caution when engaging with service providers encountered through social media platforms.