'Serial sexual abuse': Another year in jail for former Peterborough massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients - The Peterborough Exam

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This article makes reference to sexual assault and may be upsetting or disturbing for some readers. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance, the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre runs a 24-hour crisis support line at 1-705-741-0260.

While sentencing a former Peterborough massage therapist, Justice Timothy Breen said Gerard Rodrigues can fairly be described as a serial sexual abuser given the number of sexual assaults he committed in a relatively short period of time.

In August, Justice Breen found the 62-year-old guilty of three counts of sexual assault.

Rodrigues was on trial for 10 counts of sexual assault, involving nine complainants. Two of the complainants were not called at trial and those charges were stayed at the request of the Crown.

On Monday, Oct. 24, Justice Breen sentenced Rodrigues to 12 months behind bars. Rodrigues received four months for each sexual assault. The sentences will be served consecutively, and won’t begin until Rodrigues’ current 18-month sentence ends.


Earlier this year, Justice Robert Beninger found Rodrigues guilty of three counts of sexual assault against former clients, and sentenced him to 18 months.

“The offences occurred when the victims were in an extremely vulnerable position, being undressed, and lying on a massage table,” Justice Breen said on Monday.

“The women described the fear and anxiety they experience upon realizing they were being molested by Mr. Rodrigues.”

Justice Breen said the sexual assaults understandably have had a lasting effect on the victim’s emotional physiological well-being, and undermines their confidence in other trust relationships.

“The present case involves serial sexual abuse of vulnerable women,” Justice Breen added.

“It is common ground that this conduct involves a breach of trust that significantly compounds the degree of Mr. Rodrigues moral blameworthiness.”


Further to the 12-month sentence, Rodrigues will be on probation for two years following his sentence, and he will be a registered sex offender for life.

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