Blackpool masseur jailed for 2 years for sexually assaulting woman

A man who sexually assaulted a woman while working as a masseur in Blackpool has been jailed for two years.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 22nd Sep 2021, 12:07 GMT
Updated 24th Sep 2021, 07:36 GMT
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Alan Garforth, 67, admitted sexually assaulting the woman - aged in her 20s - when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court on July 26.

He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration during the attack at his home in Pavey Close, Blackpool in October 2018.

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On Monday (September 20), Garforth appeared for sentencing at Burnley Crown Court where he was jailed for two years for the sexual assault by penetration offence.

Disgraced masseur Alan Garforth, 67, was jailed for two years for the sexual assault of a female client when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court on Monday (September 20)Disgraced masseur Alan Garforth, 67, was jailed for two years for the sexual assault of a female client when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court on Monday (September 20)
Disgraced masseur Alan Garforth, 67, was jailed for two years for the sexual assault of a female client when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court on Monday (September 20)

He was also handed a further 1-year sentence for the offence of sexual assault, but he will serve this concurrently with his two-year sentence.

The court also imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Garforth will be subject to sex offender notification requirements.

He was also ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

Following his conviction in July, Det Sgt Nicole Ryder-Jones, of Blackpool Police, said: "Garforth’s actions were predatory and sexually motivated. We welcome him admitting his guilt.

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"I must praise the victim and thank her for coming forward. She has showed great courage and strength in reporting the crimes to police.

"I hope this case will give other victims of sexual offending the confidence to come forward, knowing that we will listen to them and act on the information they provide."