A massage therapist from Westcliff accused of sexually touching a female client has appeared in court.

Graham Stannard, 46, of Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff has denied to two counts of sexually assaulting the customer on August 2 last year.

Stannard is a practitioner of Zen-Su deep release massage, specialising in injuries and muscular pain deep tissue work.

The court was told that she was attending Stannard’s practice, Healing Zen Massage in Bedford Hill, Balham.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, and was sent to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for trial.

Prosecutor Arfan Ahmed told the court the complainant told police Stannard deliberately touched her twice during the same session, making a circular motion with his hand.

Stannard was released on unconditional bail to next appear in court on May 4.