Sex therapy doc jailed for hell of hair loss patient

Judge berated him for taking advantage of a woman who was anxious about her hair loss by indecently assaulting her.

Jan 2010

An "alternative doctor" who sexually assaulted a female reporter seeking a cure for hair loss has been jailed for nine months.

Chan Tung-choi, a practitioner of natural therapy, yelled he was innocent as he was led away from Eastern Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Chan, 68, who denied four counts of indecent assault, was found guilty by Magistrate So Wai-tak. He said he would appeal.Earlier, the court heard how Chan fondled the private parts and breasts of a 28-year-old online journalist, who cannot be named, between late 2005 and October 2006 at his Sheung Wan clinic.

He told her such actions would help make her hair grow.

So, who said Chan had abused the patient's trust, called his acts obscene and berated him for taking advantage of a woman who was anxious about her hair loss by indecently assaulting her.

He added: "The woman put her trust in doctors. This kind of trust should not be abused. I have the duty to send this message out."

So said a deterrent sentence was necessary and that Chan's denial of the charges showed he lacks remorse.

The court also heard that the victim had told Chan that she did not like him touching her that way and described him as "sleazy."

At one stage, the woman said she continued with the treatment because she found her hair had grown slightly since starting therapy.

She also said she was afraid to go to the police because Chan claimed he had friends who were top officials and even triad members.

So said he considered the victim's testimony as trustworthy.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Eric Kwok Tung-ming said his client has helped many patients since his clinic opened in 1995.

A woman who claims Chan's treatment cured her arthritis was in court to show support but declined to comment outside the courtroom.
 

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