Pomona massage therapist Rodney Douglas Flint sentenced for sexual assaults

A Noosa shire massage therapist is back in the community after he sexually assaulted two of his clients, including while another person was in the room. Here is what happened in court.

Rodney Flint was sentenced on five charges of sexual assault. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A Pomona remedial massage therapist has been released back into the community after he sexually assaulted two clients in 2020, a Sunshine Coast court has been told.

Rodney Douglas Flint, 57, was sentenced in the Maroochydore District Court on January 16, 2023, on five charges of sexual assault.

The court was told Flint, who had been a practising masseur for 17 years, sexually assaulted two clients in August and September of 2020 in his small massage studio attached to his home.

On August 29, the first victim was subjected to a sexual act mid-massage and was inappropriately touched three times, the court was told.

Crown prosecutor Joana Dias said the victim’s partner, who had recommended they see Flint in the first place, was in the same room during the assault, but was “occupied” with an iPad.

Rodney Flint leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The partner had a massage booked right after the victim, the court was told.

The victim reported the assault to police later that day.

On September 10, the second victim, who was a long-time client, was subjected to sex acts without consent by Flint and was inappropriately touched three to four times.

On September 16, the victim cancelled all future appointments with Flint.

Flint initially denied the allegations, but pleaded guilty on October 31, 2022.

Rodney Flint was sentenced in Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Both victims provided impact statements to the court.

The first victim said the assaults caused issues in his relationship and he often had flashbacks.

The second victim, who wrote a joint statement with their partner, said they found it difficult to discuss what had happened.

“It won’t be forgotten,” Ms Dias said, reading from the statement.

Defence barrister Martin Longhurst said his client had been a victim of sexual assault in his youth, including a gang rape from a group of boys when he was 17.

Mr Longhurst said his client’s actions were the “manifestation of trauma” and he was “incredibly ashamed” of what he did, particularly towards the second victim.

Rodney Flint was sentenced to two years jail suspended for five years. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A number of Flint’s clients were aware of the charges in the District Court, Mr Longhurst said, but he continued to practice regardless.

He had between 30 and 40 clients each week, the court was told.

Mr Longhurst said his client was prepared to go to jail, and his wife was waiting for him outside the courtroom.

Judge Gary Long sentenced Flint to two years behind bars, suspended for five years, and gave him two years probation. He was also ordered to pay $5000 compensation to each of the victims.

Convictions were recorded.