Weiqing Liu: pre-hearing mention for rape trial adjourned

A masseur who allegedly raped six female clients has had his pre-hearing mention adjourned due to a mountain of paper work after his defence lawyer received a 1000-page brief for the case.

A masseur charged with raping six female clients has had his pre-hearing mention adjourned due to a mountain of paper work.

Weiqing Liu, 32, briefly appeared at the ACT Magistrates court for a pre-hearing mention listed on Friday.

He has been charged with 17 sexual crimes including six counts of sexual intercourse without consent and 11 counts of an act of indecency without consent.

Police allege Mr Liu offended between late 2019 and 15 October, 2021, while he worked at Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Philip.

Masseur Weiqing Liu has been charged with 17 sex-related offences. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Mr Liu’s lawyer, Paul Edmonds from Canberra Criminal Lawyers, sought an adjournment telling the court he had recently received a 1000-page brief relating to his client’s case.

He told the court he would need at least three weeks to go through the documentation with his client and a mandarin translator.

Mr Edmond’s submission was not opposed by the prosecution and Magistrate James Stewart adjourned the matter to February 11.

Mr Liu’s bail will continue.

Mr Liu left the courthouse and after seeing members of the media, sprinted away in the opposite direction.

Mr Liu last appeared in court on November 12 where he was hit with four new rape charges.

He first appeared before the court in October.