MARK PIRAINO'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN MAIDSTONE, REDHILL, AND ROMFORD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Maidstone, Redhill, and Romford, Mark Piraino, a former osteopath and educator, has been convicted of a series of serious sexual offenses spanning over a decade. The allegations against Piraino, who was once associated with the European School of Osteopathy (ESO), reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse directed at vulnerable patients and students.

Initially sentenced to 18 months in prison in February 2013, Piraino's sentence was later deemed unduly lenient by the court, leading to an increased term of four years. The severity of his crimes and the breach of trust involved have prompted widespread condemnation and calls for stricter oversight within the osteopathic profession.

The offences took place at multiple locations, including the ESO’s premises at Boxley House in Maidstone, the Body Balance clinic in Romford, Essex, and the Westway Clinic in Redhill, Surrey. Prosecutors detailed how Piraino, a married man and father of two young daughters, exploited his professional position to sexually abuse five patients aged between 13 and 31 years old, over a period of more than twelve years, from 1998 to 2010.

Samantha Cohen, the prosecutor, outlined the disturbing nature of the abuse. She explained that victims, seeking treatment for common ailments such as headaches, knee injuries, or back pain, were coerced into undressing, often down to their underwear or boxer shorts, before Piraino engaged in inappropriate touching and fondling of their genitals. One victim, a 31-year-old man, was surprised to find that Piraino’s treatment focused on his groin area, which was entirely unrelated to his initial complaints.

Further allegations revealed that Piraino instructed a male patient to get an erection during a session to check for testicular cancer, and he even suggested that a student bring pornography to aid in achieving an erection. Two teenage boys, who visited the Westway Clinic at different times, were also subjected to inappropriate and sexual touching, with one being told to strip naked and having the consulting room door bolted shut during the assault.

Throughout the trial, Piraino maintained his innocence, denying any misconduct. However, evidence uncovered during police searches of his computers showed that he frequently accessed adult gay pornography websites, often while pleasuring himself during work hours. Prosecutors clarified that these were adult sites and did not contain indecent images of children.

Piraino’s arrest in June 2011 marked the beginning of a lengthy investigation. The court heard that the allegations were initially sparked by a teenage boy who reported inappropriate treatment at the Redhill clinic, which led to further complaints from other victims. The defendant was suspended by the General Osteopathic Council (GOC) following these allegations.

During the proceedings, Piraino’s defense highlighted his previous good character and his active involvement in his local church, attempting to mitigate the gravity of his actions. Nevertheless, Judge Michael Addison described his crimes as “a gross breach of trust” and sentenced him to a term that reflects the seriousness of his misconduct. Piraino now faces being struck off the register by the GOC and will be required to register as a sex offender.

In response to the case, Adrian Barnes, principal at the European School of Osteopathy, expressed shock and concern. He confirmed that Piraino was a student at the institution from 1992 to 1996 before becoming part of the teaching staff. Barnes assured the public that the school’s policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and that they are committed to preventing such incidents in the future. The school has also offered support to anyone affected by the case, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within healthcare professions, especially when trust is exploited in such a heinous manner. The communities of Maidstone, Redhill, and Romford are left to grapple with the revelations of abuse by someone who was once regarded as a trusted health professional.