Tarkan Mustafa

Tarkan Mustafa, a 55-year-old psychotherapist based in Ponders End, north London, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault on two female patients. The assaults occurred during treatment sessions at his private practice, 'Peace of Mind – Private Therapy', where Mustafa exploited his position of trust for sexual gratification.

The offences came to light following reports from victims spanning several years. In August 2016, the Metropolitan Police received a complaint from the first victim, who alleged that Mustafa had repeatedly sexually assaulted her on more than ten occasions over a ten-month period. Despite an investigation and Mustafa's arrest and interview that same month, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to press charges due to insufficient evidence at the time.

Four years later, on 31 August 2020, a second victim reported being sexually assaulted by Mustafa on two separate occasions in 2014 during counselling sessions. The methods employed by Mustafa included using highly sexualised language, massaging the victims' breasts under the pretence of 'complementary therapy' involving acupressure and massage, and pressing his erect penis against them. A renewed investigation by the Metropolitan Police identified similarities between the two cases, prompting the reopening of the original file. Mustafa was arrested and interviewed again on 26 February 2021, voluntarily interviewed on 20 January 2023, and finally charged on 23 January 2024.

The two-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court resulted in Mustafa's conviction on all seven counts, including sexual touching. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life and subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who led the investigation, described Mustafa as 'a calculated individual' who 'took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment'. He commended the victims for their 'immense courage and bravery' in coming forward, noting that their actions would protect others.

The case underscores the Metropolitan Police's commitment to pursuing historical sexual offences, with detectives appealing for any additional victims to contact them, referencing case number 01/YE/10292/24.