Canberra massage therapist who fondled woman's breasts during session found guilty of indecency - ABC News

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A Canberra massage therapist has been found guilty of committing an act of indecency after he massaged a woman's breasts during a treatment session.

Timothy Van Eyle had only been a massage therapist for three weeks at the time of the offence, which took place two years ago.

The ACT Magistrates Court heard Van Eyle had asked the woman if she would like a chest massage.

But the woman said she was not expecting what followed and was left in shock.

"I did not expect it to include breasts and nipples," she said.

"He was definitely lingering in the area.

"It was not touching in passing."

The woman said she did not visibly see what Van Eyle was doing, but she could feel it.

Timothy Van Eyle had only been in a massage therapist for a few weeks when the offence occurred and had previously led yoga instructional videos online.(
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Van Eyle denied any sexual intent, saying he thought the woman wanted her breasts massaged because she had pulled down the drape exposing herself.

He said he conducted the massage in a similar manner to the way a scalp massage would be done.

But Van Eyle also admitted that breast massage had not been taught during his course at CIT.

Magistrate Jane Campbell said the absence of training suggested that massage in that area was not done.

She also dismissed his claim that the woman had exposed her breasts by moving the sheet down, saying that was implausible.

"He knew massaging breasts would not be part of a full-body massage," she told the court.

Magistrate Campbell has released Van Eyle on bail.

He is expected to be sentenced in June.