Mark Horsfall charged with sexually assaulted at Body Resort Chinese Massage in Gerringong

A 60-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulted a woman on a massage while she was “frozen in fear” and “screaming internally” as it allegedly happened.

An unregistered masseuse accused of orally and digitally raping a client as she lay on a massage table, despite her allegedly repeatedly telling him “no” has been charged with 30 sexual assault offences.

Mark Horsfall, 60, was arrested at the Body Resort Chinese Massage in Gerringong on Sunday, where he’s been working cash-in-hand for the past five months.

Mr Horsfall was charged with nine counts of aggravated sexually touch another person and 11 counts of aggravated sex assault – victim under authority of offender, after police allege he sexually assaulted a local mum on numerous occasions, as she lay “frozen” in fear on a massage table earlier this year.

Mark Horsfall had been employed at the massage parlour for about five months. Picture: Facebook

The 60-year-old faced Wollongong Local Court on Monday morning from a cell at the neighbouring police station, where the allegations were revealed to the court.

In opposing bail, police prosecutor Sergeant Ben Bragger argued bail was “unthinkable”, and that Mr Horsfall posed a dangerous risk to the community.

“These allegations are of the utmost serious and court documents (detailing the allegations) make for a very frightening read,” he said.

Despite Mr Horsfall’s defence lawyer arguing conditions like reporting could be imposed to minimise the risk he posed, Magistrate Robert Rabbidge agreed with the prosecution and opposed bail.

In documents tendered to the court, it was revealed the woman was a new but regular customer at Body Resort Chinese Massage, and would usually see a female masseuse, until she was first seen by Mr Horsfall.

The Body Resort massage parlour on Fern Street, in Gerringong. Picture: Facebook

She told police Mr Horsfall at one stage started to massage the side of her breasts, telling her about a lymphatic drainage technique, allegedly saying “its okay just so long as you don’t touch the nipples”.

A week later, she attended another appointment and was again seen by Mr Horsfall. Police allege in court documents at one point he told the woman he would be happy to visit her for a massage at home, telling her “just get my number … We can start in the spa with some champagne”.

Police allege he moved her underwear and said “its lovely”, before asking if he could take her underwear off.

The woman told police she said “no”, before he lent over and kissed her on the lips.

“The victim was shocked and frozen to the bed, unable to say anything,” police stated in court documents.

What followed is too graphic to be repeated, however, it is alleged Horsfall digitally and orally raped the woman despite her saying “no” on several occasions.

Police state in the documents the woman was “silently crying” and “screaming internally’ as the alleged incident continued.

Mark Horsfall's lawyer told the court his client would be defending the allegations. Picture: Facebook

At the end of the massage, police say the woman called a friend.

When she got in her car she became hysterical, as she waited for her friend, who drove her to Wollongong hospital for a sexual assault investigation kit.

Mr Horsfall was arrested on Sunday, with police claiming he “did not appear surprised by his arrest”.

During a lengthy interview, it’s alleged Mr Horsfall told police the woman “never said no”, however later allegedly admitted he was “very remorseful” and had done the wrong thing and “broken the rules”.

During police investigations, it was revealed Mr Horsfall is not currently a certified masseuse, a member of any massage therapy body, and has only been working at the business for five months for cash.

Mr Horsfall, who’s lawyer indicated he would “vigorously defend” the allegations, will remain on remand in custody until he next appears before the court in May.

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