Queensland’s health ombudsman has issued an extraordinary public warning about a massage therapist convicted of sexual assault, who is believed to be providing services in breach of a permanent prohibition order.
After Graham Schodde was convicted in the Brisbane District Court of sexually assaulting female massage clients, he was banned in August 2022 from providing any health service, paid or otherwise.
Dr Lynne Coulson Barr has issued a public statement about Mr Schodde, concerned that he may be continuing to practise, particularly around the Brisbane south and Logan areas.
“The warning is issued to ensure the public is aware that it is believed that Mr Schodde continues to offer to provide health services in breach of the permanent prohibition order,” Dr Coulson Barr’s public statement said.
“Mr Schodde’s health services continue to be advertised on third party websites.”
Public statements are only made when the health ombudsman believes it is necessary to warn the public about risks posed by registered or unregistered health practitioners who are the subject of an investigation.
The public statement regarding Mr Schodde is the first time the health ombudsman has exercised this power.
“We’re urging members of the public who have received a health service from Mr Schodde since 25 November 2019 to contact the Office of the Health Ombudsman,” Dr Coulson Barr said.
“Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a sexual assault should also contact the Queensland Police Service.”
Therapist permanently banned
The ombudsman first issued an interim prohibition order to Mr Schodde, who provided mobile massage therapy, in November 2019, after he was charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a female massage client.
Mr Schodde was later charged with sexual assault against another female client, while providing a massage in breach of the interim prohibition order. He was convicted of the charges in the Brisbane District Court.
On August 2, 2022, the ombudsman permanently banned him from providing any health service, paid or otherwise, in a clinical or non-clinical capacity.
A month later, he was convicted and fined $20,000 for breaching the interim prohibition order on three separate occasions.
Posted , updated