The Oxford Crown Court found Praminder Mankoo guilty of groping the private parts of women patients under the guise of treatment to relieve stress, after a two-week trial. The verdict is likely to be announced next month.During the trial, the court heard several victims recall their ordeal with the 47-year-old hair consultant at his Thame clinic in Oxfordshire.
The victims told the judge that Mankoo of Berkshire would tell women to strip to their underwear to avoid getting "stress relieving" massage oil on their clothes; he would then rub their scalp, neck and shoulders, and reach around to touch their breasts, the Daily Mail reported.
The most notable testimony came from a 48-year-old victim, Rayne Franklin, who visited his clinic ten years ago. "He began to massage my shoulders and slowly his hand crept down until he had a full hold of my breast. Then he ripped off his coat and stripped naked. He also pushed my face into his genitals. I was terrified but I knew I couldn't confront him because the door was locked, there was no one around," she was quoted as saying.
Another woman told the court how Mankoo had removed her bra and also massaged her thighs and feet while another victim said that Mankoo asked her if she would like to meet his "little friend".
However, defending Mankoo, Christine Agnew said her client needed time to "put his house in order" before he be awarded any punishment. He has been currently freed on bail by the court.
