Trainee massage therapist sentenced to five months for sexual touching in Mildura

In a case heard at the Mildura Magistrates' Court, trainee massage therapist Tomey Mathew, 33, was convicted of two sexual touching offences after two women reported non-consensual breast contact during massages in 2025. The first assault occurred during a 45-minute oil massage at Massage Borneo 1 on March 13, when Mathew reached under the towel and grabbed the client’s breasts despite being told not to touch private areas.

The second incident happened on April 5 during a nearly hour-long neck massage, where he again touched the client’s breasts before being stopped. Both women testified about severe emotional fallout, including anxiety attacks and persistent unease. Defence lawyer Robert Thyssen argued the acts were accidental and of fleeting nature, but Magistrate Greg Thomas dismissed that view, emphasizing the victims’ vulnerability and Mathew’s awareness of the rules.

Leading Senior Constable Jackie Lowe, representing the prosecution, urged a custodial sentence, describing any alternative as inadequate. The court sentenced Mathew to five months in prison, noting his lack of remorse and the seriousness of the breach of trust.