Warning: distressing content
A Dunedin healer who sexually assaulted seven of his clients will be released from jail 18 months before the end of his sentence.
The victims of 67-year-old Sonny Chin were staggered by the Parole Board’s decision yesterday and said it was proof "the system is broken".
The board heard that because the inmate was assessed as low risk, there was no treatment available for him in prison.
The only sexual harm programme was available in the community and panel convener Judge Louis Bidois said it was vital Chin undertook that course.
Victim Tee Murtagh, who bravely lifted her own name suppression, called the decision "a farce".
"He can only do rehab if he’s released? Just ridiculous," she said.
"The system doesn’t work."
Chin was jailed for three years and three months before the Dunedin District Court in June last year after being found guilty at trial on 10 counts of indecent assault, all of which were committed against female clients.
His modus operandi involved him attempting to convince the victims they had repressed sexual trauma which resulted in negative energy he needed to release, which led to the gross molestations.
Judge Bidois began yesterday’s hearing — attended by the Otago Daily Times — by immediately asking Chin whether he continued to deny the sex crimes.
"No. I’ve never denied the offending but my work is in structural, muscular, motional body work," he said.
"Because not many people understand this work, I’m in this predicament now."
The Parole Board members repeatedly tried to pin him down on his acceptance of guilt, to no avail.
"You accept the touching but deny the sexual offending?" Judge Bidois asked.
"I check the size of the breasts, I touched the woman’s vagina but before I did that I was reading her bladder," Chin replied.
His protracted descriptions of events were interrupted by panel members, a Corrections officer present at the hearing and supporters present on separate occasions.
Chin, however, was unequivocal about his plans on release.
"I’m retired," he said.
Panel member Waimarama Taumaunu pressed Chin on why he had written apology letters to his victims if he did not accept culpability.
"I’ve triggered their trauma and I’m sorry about that," he said.
Another victim who voluntarily gave up name suppression, Kristy Ovens, said it was yet another non-apology.
"He’s not sorry for what he actually did, he’s sorry we felt upset by what he did. That’s just gaslighting really," she said.
"He’s done so much damage to these people and some won’t ever recover."
Ms Ovens and Ms Murtagh were both sceptical the disgraced healer would permanently give up work.
After lengthy deliberations yesterday, Judge Bidois directed Chin be released on January 28, which would allow a reintegration hui to be convened, ensuring all supports were in place for life back in the community.
A monitoring hearing was scheduled for June next year.
"The board can revoke parole if we’re not happy with your progress," Judge Bidois warned.
Among Chin’s "stringent" conditions were:
• To live at a South Otago address as directed.
• To abide by electronic monitoring.
• Not to enter Dunedin (unless attending therapy).
• Not to work without the permission of Probation.
• Not to possess an internet-capable device.
