Clayton Chun Hung Wong: Trial resumes for ex-Geraldton masseur accused of indecently assaulting female clients

A former Geraldton massage therapist has denied indecently assaulting female clients, saying he always asked for consent for therapeutic reasons if massaging close to sensitive and private body parts. The trial of Chun Hung Wong resumed in the Joondalup Magistrates Court this week, 16 months after being partly heard in Geraldton in March last year. The former masseur, also known as Clayton, is accused of performing sex acts and other inappropriate conduct during massage sessions with nine female clients at a now-closed Marine Terrace clinic between 2014 and 2021. He is charged with 10 counts of unlawful and indecent assault. The nine complainants testified during the Geraldton portion of the trial. In Joondalup Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Wong, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, testified in his defence. Under cross-examination by police, Mr Wong denied accusations he masturbated or had an erection during some massage sessions. He said there could be “rhythm changes” during a massage, but never because he was touching himself. When asked if he agreed that he needed consent if massaging close to sensitive areas, Mr Wong said: “Yes, I always ask for consent, and for them to let me know if it needs changing.” He said even if massaging the buttocks area, his hands would not be close to a woman’s genital area. When asked why he needed to work on an area covered by underwear, Mr Wong said: “I asked for permission to work on that area.” Mr Wong, who was aided on the stand by a Cantonese interpreter although he answered the questions mostly in English, conceded sometimes he asked clients to remove their underwear. “It’s easier because it’s difficult when people wear tights or bicycle shorts and their underwear is tight — but it’s an unusual case and I usually write it down on my notes,” he said. Some of the complainants testified about the “distinct smell of semen” and sounds that pointed to masturbation, but Mr Wong argued the smell could have been his bad breath and put any sounds down to using lubricated massage oil. In closing remarks, the police prosecutor said Mr Wong’s evidence changed as he went along and his explanations did not make sense. She said the complainants’ evidence could be accepted as honest and reliable as they used different language to describe similar things, didn’t know each other and testified about common occurrences, including one-handed massages, masturbation and massaging of the inner thigh. The prosecutor said based on all the evidence it could be found that Mr Wong preyed on these women for his own sexual gratification. Mr Wong’s defence lawyer, in her closing submission, said Mr Wong made it clear all massages were done with consent or that he believed he had the women’s permission. She said just because there was an absence of paperwork confirming consent, it didn’t mean Mr Wong didn’t get it from his clients. She said Mr Wong maintained the massages were only done for a “legitimate therapeutic purpose” and that he claimed he was knowledgeable about anatomy, having been a massage therapist since 2012 and worked in previous locations including Queensland’s Airlie Beach. The defence lawyer argued it was an “industry you will keep learning, there is no one way to massage”. She claimed some complainants only came forward years after the alleged offending because of social media posts and media attention by the Geraldton Guardian. Magistrate Evan Shackleton reserved his decision until September. Mr Wong’s bail was renewed. He is prohibited from engaging in professional remedial or massage practices.