The actions of an Epsom natural therapist left "indelible emotional scars" on a woman patient he indecently assaulted, Judge Avinash Deobhakta told the therapist in the Auckland District Court yesterday.
Kerry Meehan, aged 40, had admitted two counts of indecent assault on a 21-year-old patient in May.
He was alleged to have indecently assaulted the woman while holding her down with the weight of his body.
Meehan said that he thought the victim was consenting to his actions.
He knew his actions were morally wrong.
Judge Deobhakta told Meehan that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and said he could not see how he had thought the woman had consented to being touched.
"Your actions have left indelible scars emotionally on this lady.
"It has affected her relationship not only with her male friend, but with her doctor."
He said the sentence should deter other professionals from being tempted to carry out inappropriate acts with patients.
He sentenced Meehan to 18 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and five months' periodic detention and ordered him to pay $5000 to the victim.
"This behaviour cannot be tolerated," Judge Deobhakta told Meehan.
"Patients should come to advisers for help with confidence that they will be treated with dignity."
Therapist left 'indelible emotional scars'
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