MAHMOUD MOHAMMADI SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN KNARESBOROUGH

Mahmoud Mohammadi, a 60-year-old man from the town of Knaresborough, was formally sentenced today after being found guilty of committing a sexual assault against a woman during a routine deep-tissue massage session. The incident took place at a local massage salon situated on Market Place, where the victim initially arrived feeling relaxed and at ease, seeking therapeutic relief.

According to court proceedings at York Crown Court, Mohammadi’s misconduct began when he moved the towel that was covering the woman’s body without her consent. This act marked the start of a distressing sequence of events that left the victim in a state of shock and fear. As the massage continued, Mohammadi instructed her to turn over, and during this process, she sensed the towel being moved again. She attempted to shield herself by covering her body, but Mohammadi proceeded to massage an intimate area, crossing professional boundaries and causing her significant discomfort.

In an effort to regain her modesty, the woman pulled the towel back up and covered herself. However, Mohammadi leaned forward and unexpectedly kissed her on the forehead, uttering the words “I’m sorry.” This gesture, combined with his inappropriate actions, left her feeling terrified and eager to leave the premises. She was further alarmed when Mohammadi mentioned a “biting technique,” which prompted her to leave the salon hurriedly. Following the incident, she contacted a friend for support but did not report the assault to authorities until four days later, as she was still in shock and struggling to process what had happened.

Throughout the trial, Mohammadi maintained his innocence, denying any misconduct and claiming that the massage was conducted normally. Despite his assertions, the jury found him guilty of the sexual assault, a verdict that effectively ended his career as a masseur. Mohammadi, who had maintained an unblemished professional record for the past ten years and was actively working until the trial, faced the consequences of his actions.

The victim has since described enduring ongoing psychological trauma, feeling unsafe and constantly wary of strangers following the assault. Her experience highlights the profound impact such violations can have on victims’ mental health and sense of security.

In sentencing, the judge emphasized that Mohammadi exploited his position of trust and authority during the incident. He was sentenced to one year in prison, with half of that time to be served behind bars before being released on license. Furthermore, Mohammadi was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was issued a 10-year sex-offense prevention order. This order restricts his employment opportunities and limits his contact with women in public spaces, aiming to prevent any further harm.

The judge also noted that despite character references attesting to Mohammadi’s good reputation prior to the incident, his inability to accept responsibility posed a continued risk to the public. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding trust in professional relationships and the serious consequences of abusing that trust.