Joseph Mooney jailed for sexually assaulting women posing as massage therapist

A sex offender who posed as a massage therapist before sexually assaulting women has been jailed.

Joseph Mooney falsely advertised himself as a professional masseur on his Facebook page, even creating a fake certificate to support his predatory behavior. In December 2020, Mooney contacted a victim who had liked his page and offered her a discounted treatment. He arranged to visit her home, where he began to give a massage but it quickly became indecent. Mooney made lewd comments and the victim told him to stop. After leaving, she reported the incident to the police, leading to Mooney's arrest.

Investigators uncovered Mooney's bogus business and identified additional victims. He used his Facebook platform to target women, offering discounts under the pretense of being a newly qualified masseur seeking to expand his business. In each case, Mooney would attend a victim's chosen address, initiate a massage, and then sexually assault them. Some victims were shown his fake qualifications, and many felt he was sexually aroused during the treatments.

Upon arrest, Mooney showed officers his certificate as proof of his professional credentials, but it was quickly discovered to be falsified. Mooney, of Woodgrange Gardens, Enfield, London, was later charged with four counts of sexual assault and possessing an article for use in fraud. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to all charges.

On November 12, 2024, the 44-year-old was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.