Masseur denies sexually assaulting six women at Chinese medicine clinic

Weiqing Liu, 32, has indicated he will plead not guilty to 17 sexual assault-related charges. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A masseur will fight charges alleging he raped or sexually assaulted six women while working at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in south Canberra.

Weiqing Liu, who worked at the Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (12 November) to face 17 charges. He was supported by an interpreter during his appearance.

ACT Policing said the 32-year-old first appeared in court in October after two women alleged he had assaulted them during massages at the clinic.

“Since then, four more women have contacted police to allege they were also assaulted by the man while he was providing services at a Phillip traditional Chinese medicine clinic,” according to police.

Police allege he raped or sexually assaulted the women between late 2019 and 15 October 2021.

His lawyer, Paul Edmonds from Canberra Criminal Lawyers, indicated Mr Liu would plead not guilty to all charges, which included six counts of sexual intercourse without consent while the remainder were performing an act of indecency without consent.

Magistrate James Lawton continued his bail and adjourned the matter for a pre-hearing mention to 21 January 2022.

A spokesperson for the Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine said as the matter was before the court, they were unable to comment on whether or not they still employed Mr Liu.

Police said the investigation into Mr Liu is continuing and any potential complainants can call police on 131 444, quoting reference number 6936673.

Information on historical sexual assaults – those which allegedly happened more than six months ago – can also be made online via the ACT Policing website.

The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent is 12 years’ imprisonment.