Mark Horsfall: South Coast masseuse granted bail after sexual assault allegations

A masseuse who allegedly sexually assaulted a mum as she lay “frozen” in fear on a massage table, has been released on bail despite facing 47 criminal charges.

An unregistered masseuse has been granted bail following more than six months on remand in custody, after several women came forward accusing the 60-year-old of sexual assault and unwanted sexual touching mid-massage.

Mark Horsfall was arrested at the Body Resort Chinese Massage in Gerringong earlier this year, 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.

Masseuse Mark Horsfall granted bail after sexual assault allegations. Picture: Facebook

He was initially charged with nine counts of aggravated sexually touch another person and 11 counts of aggravated sex assault – victim under authority of offender and was refused bail.

In April, police laid more charges against him, related to the alleged incidents against another five female clients. He is now facing 47 criminal charges.

In documents tendered to the court, it was alleged Mr Horsfall sexually touched the women, as well as allegedly raping two of them while he was massaging them between November 2020 and March 2021.

The 60-year-old faced Wollongong Local Court via video link from a jail cell on Wednesday, where Magistrate Claire Girotto agreed to grant him bail, despite Crown prosecutors raising serious concern of further offending.

“This is an incredibly complex sexual assault case,” prosecutor Lachlan McGonigal said.

“Absolutely no conditions could mitigate any of the risks.”

Mark Horsfall worked at Body Resort Chinese Massage in Gerringong at the time of his arrest. Picture: Google Maps

However, Magistrate Girotto agreed to grant bail, noting the time he spent in custody would be lengthy if the matter went to trial.

“These offences are quite serious but they are confined to his profession,” she said.

“The allegations are confined to his home and the massage parlour.”

Police allege Mr Horsfall massaged two of the woman at his Culburra Beach home on separate occasions, before sexually assault them.

The other four women were allegedly sexually touched by Mr Horsfall at the Gerringong massage parlour.

One of the women told police Mr Horsfall had kissed her on the lips and “forced his tongue into her mouth” during a massage, while another claimed he “slapped” her buttocks.

In documents previously tendered to the court it was revealed Mr Horsfall is not currently a certified masseuse, a member of any massage therapy body, and had only been working “professionally” at the Gerringong business for five months cash in hand.

Mr Horsfall spoke during his bail hearing, telling the court the Health Care Complaints Commission had banned him from practising in any health profession.

“My sister has disposed of all my massage equipment, tables, everything,” he said.

Granting bail, Magistrate Girotto ordered he live with his daughter in Bligh Park, and he not leave home without her.

She also banned him from entering the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.

The matter will return to court later this year.