STEVEN GOSS JAILED IN COUNTY DURHAM FOR SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST FEMALE CLIENTS
A sports masseur with a disturbing history of sexual misconduct has been sentenced to prison after repeatedly assaulting female clients during treatments.Steven Goss, 54, of Mount Pleasant, Dipton, sexually assaulted women at his sports massage practice in County Durham, a business he operated for six years.
Goss had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison for similar offences but was brought back before the courts after additional victims came forward.
He appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday to face charges of seven counts of sexual assault, committed between 2014 and 2017.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Goss would conduct massages with the door locked and would often ask women to be "fully naked" or "semi-naked" during sessions.
He performed sexual assaults on women when they were alone, sometimes even when his wife was present at the premises.
One victim recounted that Goss sexually assaulted her during a two-hour massage, despite her having booked only an hour-long session.
Another woman described how Goss made "inappropriate sexual comments" before assaulting her as he was "wrapping towels" around her.
A further complainant explained she had visited Goss for massages around 75% of her appointments, during which she was sexually assaulted.
Victims reported feeling embarrassed and regretful for not reporting sooner, with some becoming withdrawn.
One woman read a statement in court, explaining she had "suppress[ed] what had happened" and was left feeling "worthless." She added that she believed she would "never be believed" and acknowledged that her path to recovery will be lengthy.
Tony Davis, defending Goss, highlighted his "distinguished career in the Armed Forces," but noted that he had now "lost his reputation and livelihood." Davis emphasized that Goss would carry the stigma of being a sex offender indefinitely and that he could no longer continue working in sports therapy.
He also revealed that over the six years Goss worked as a masseur, he treated approximately 5,000 clients, many of whom reported no inappropriate behaviour.
Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, described the offences as "serious sexual offending".
Goss was sentenced to four years in prison, and he will be subject to lifelong registration on the sex offenders' register.
Additionally, the court imposed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and a lifelong restraining order against him.
