Named: Rockhampton Masseur faces deportation for three sexual assaults

A ‘creepy and sneaky’ masseur has been jailed and now faces deportation after three sexual assaults on unsuspecting women. WARNING: Graphic

Shao-wei Wu, 34, worked at Essential Massage, in Stockland Rockhampton, when he committed the four offences on April 5, 2021.

A “creepy and sneaky” masseur jailed for rape and sexual assault of a woman had photographed the genitals of two other women and told police one of his victim’s had flirted with him and wanted sex.

Shao-wei Wu, 34, worked at Essential Massage, in Stockland Rockhampton, when he committed the four offences on April 5, 2021.

Crown prosecutor Joshua Phillips told Rockhampton District Court Wu falsely told a psychologist that he thought one of the victim’s was flirting with him when she asked him if he had a girlfriend.

He claimed she was “was licking her lips with her tongue” during their session.

The court heard she was in a same sex relationship and she “swatted” Wu’s hands away from her genitals in an attempt to stop him.

“This type of treatment often sees the client in an utterly vulnerable position, alone in a darkened room,” Mr Phillips said.

“Often while their eyes are shut or looking away from the practitioner.”

Senior Crown prosecutor Joshua Phillips outside the Rockhampton Supreme Court House. Pictures: Jack Tran

Wu pleaded guilty to the charges on October 24, 2022, and a psychologist’s report was prepared in December between Wu’s long-term partner, the psychologist and defendant.

Mr Phillips said there was “nothing in the 14-page” report explaining why a well-educated mature man with no criminal record and a good work history “made the deliberate choice to abuse these victims”.

The court heard Wu, who is now facing deportation, was born in Taiwan and has a degree in molecular biotechnology.

He had worked in research in that field after completing the compulsory year in Taiwan’s army before he and his partner move to Australia on work visas in 2014.

The pair have worked predominantly in massage parlours between 2014 and 2020.

Defence barrister Andrew Hoare said Wu’s partner still supported him, however, the expected consequences of the sex offence convictions would mean Wu would be leaving her behind.

Barrister Andrew Hoare.

Judge Jeff Clarke said Wu’s behaviour was “creepy and sneaky” and stated: “it seems clear to me you did this for your own sexual gratification.”

He sentenced Wu to three years prison, declared 18 days presentence custody, suspended the sentence after he serves 14-months in custody.

The operational period of the sentence is four years.

Originally published as Named: Rockhampton Masseur faces deportation for three sexual assaults