Masseur seeks to withdraw sexual assault guilty pleas

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

A masseur who admitted sexually assaulting a naked woman wants to withdraw his guilty pleas and deny the offences.

Happy Suwali, a 38-year-old massage therapist who advertised his services on social media as Happy Massage, had admitted three counts of sexual assault on a woman during a two-hour session at his home. The woman, who cannot be identified, came forward to say she had been subjected to a prolonged ordeal in which Suwali groped her breasts, vagina and bottom after she responded to his advertisements seeking a massage for sports injury relief on 30 April last year.

When Suwali appeared at Norwich Crown Court on 16 October for sentencing, he indicated he wanted to withdraw his guilty pleas. His lawyer, Joseph Sincair, told the court that Suwali had "great concern about the advice he received in respect of the pleas" and that he "unequivocally denies" the offences.

Recorder Laurence Harris gave the defence 14 days to submit an official application to vacate the pleas, with a hearing scheduled for 16 November. Suwali, of Earlham Road, Norwich, was granted bail until the next hearing.

How it is being reported

• Masseur who admitted sexually assaulting naked woman wants to change guilty pleasA masseur who admitted sexually assaulting a naked woman during a two-hour session at his home wants to change his pleas, denying the offences.Eastern Daily Press · 16 Oct, 14:34
• Masseur who admitted sexually assaulting naked woman wants to change guilty pleasA masseur who admitted sexually assaulting a naked woman during a two-hour session at his home wants to change his pleas, denying the offences.Norwich Evening News · 16 Oct, 14:34

In this story: Happy Suwali · Norwich Crown Court · Norwich

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