Forcing a woman to engage in sexual activity while she was 'under his spell'.

Hypnotherapist Jailed for Sexually Assaulting Woman Under His Spell

Ian Roper, 58, has been sentenced to 29 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman while she was under hypnosis. Roper, a hypnotherapist, "commanded" his victim to remove her clothing while making her believe she was sitting on a hot sunbed and applying sun cream.

Bradford Crown Court heard that when the woman awoke, Roper attempted to "put her under again" to prevent her from remembering the assault. Roper initially denied the allegations to police but later pleaded guilty to the charges.

In addition to the sexual assault, officers discovered five indecent images of children and one prohibited image of a child on Roper's laptop. He pleaded guilty to possessing these images.

Recorder David Gordon, who presided over the case, stated that Roper's actions were motivated by "selfish and sexual" desires. He imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting Roper from working as a hypnotherapist, and required him to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years. A restraining order was also enforced.

Recorder Gordon addressed Roper, highlighting that his actions were a clear breach of trust and constituted a sustained assault on a vulnerable individual. He acknowledged the severe psychological harm the victim experienced despite suffering no physical injury.