The therapist ‘massaged victims’ breasts’ and ‘pressed his erect penis into them’ under the guise of medical treatment
A ‘calculated’ psychotherapist has been jailed for sexually assaulting patients under the guise of ‘medical treatment’. The North London therapist massaged victims’ breasts and pressed his erect penis into them at his private therapy office in Ponders End.
Tarkan Mustafa, 55, of Woodlands Way, Southgate was sentenced to three years and nine months at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, December 9. Mustafa was previously found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault, including sexual touching.
The offences were committed at Mustafa’s practice, Peace of Mind. Mustafa was jailed after the case, which was closed for nine years due to a lack of evidence, was reopened due to new reports.
Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Mustafa is a calculated individual. He took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment.”
Police originally received a report of sexual assault from a patient of the therapist in 2016. He was arrested and a police investigation revealed that Mustafa had repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim on more than 10 occasions over 10 months; however, no further action was taken by the CPS at the time.
In 2020, police received a report from a second victim who had been sexually assaulted by Mustafa when she attended counselling at his practice in 2014. According to police these incidents involved using highly sexualised language, massaging the victims’ breasts under the pretext of ‘complementary therapy’ – which traditionally includes acupressure and massage – and pressing his erect penis into the victim.
A new investigation began and Mustafa was arrested on February 26, 2021. As enquiries were being carried out, it took until January 2024 for the predator to be charged.
Det. Myles Bossman added: “I want to thank each of the victims for their support and commend their immense courage and bravery in supporting the investigation and providing evidence in court. I hope that today’s sentencing will help to provide closure and strength, knowing that by making a report against Mustafa they have helped to protect other potential patients from becoming victims.
“If you recognise Mustafa’s offending and believe you, or someone you know, may have been a victim, please contact 101 or make a report online, referencing 01/YE/10292/24.
“Today’s sentencing shows that regardless of the amount of time passed, reports will be taken seriously, victims will be supported, and those responsible for committing violence against women will be brought to justice.”
Following Mustafa’s sentencing, detectives are appealing for any further potential victim-survivors to come forward. If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Mustafa, you can do so by contacting police on 101 and quoting 01/YE/10292/24.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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