Yu Tang Wang

Yu Tang Wang, a 76-year-old masseur and joint-owner of the Herbal Clinic on George Street in Aberdeen, Scotland, was convicted of sexually assaulting two female customers in separate incidents spanning two years. The attacks occurred in a curtained-off area of the walk-in massage service he operated alongside his wife, where Wang, previously listed as a Chinese doctor, exploited his position of trust to perpetrate the offences.

The first assault took place on 12 July 2022, during a 15-minute lunch break massage. The victim, who had been receiving sporadic treatments at the clinic since 2015, entered a cubicle, removed her upper clothing, and lay face down on the table. As Wang began the massage with oils, the woman immediately felt his erect penis pressing against her upper left arm through his clothing. Throughout the session, he continued to rub himself against her body while breathing heavily, leaving her frozen in shock and embarrassment. She quickly dressed and left, later confiding in a friend and seeking counselling from Rape Crisis to cope with the trauma.

• Fiscal depute Rebecca Thompson detailed in Aberdeen Sheriff Court how the victim described the intrusive contact, highlighting Wang's deliberate actions during what should have been a professional service.

The second, more severe assault occurred on 29 September 2024, when Wang was alone in the shop. The victim entered the massage room, undressed, lay on the table covered by a modesty towel, and signalled readiness. Wang started normally by applying oil to her back and neck but soon progressed to rubbing her arms and touching her breasts. When she turned onto her back, he removed the towel, touched and licked her genital area, and inserted his fingers into her vagina. Paralyzed by fear, she eventually shouted for him to stop and get away, prompting him to leave the room. As she dressed and exited, she overheard Wang arguing with his returning wife.

In court, Wang initially denied the offences but ultimately admitted guilt after reviewing witness statements, though his solicitor George Mathers noted his client's mental struggles and memory problems. Sheriff Graham Buchanan condemned the acts as a 'gross breach of trust' and 'thoroughly unpleasant', emphasising the serious nature of the second charge and the profound psychological impact on both victims, as outlined in their impact statements. Wang showed little remorse, remaining in denial about the reality of his actions.

The case was heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, with proceedings reported by The Press and Journal. Wang no longer works at the clinic following the convictions.