Former hypnotist jailed for Derry sex assaults

A former hypnotist who sexually abused ten women was jailed for four years by a court in Derry today.

A former hypnotist who sexually abused ten women was jailed for four years by a court in Derry today.

Richard Tilley (67) used relaxation techniques on vulnerable victims who came to his home in Derry seeking help and then carried out the indecent assaults.

Women aged between 22 and 60 who were seeking to beat addictions, overcome previous sexual abuse or bereavement were all exploited, Derry Crown Court was told.

Tilley pleaded guilty to a total of 21 offences between March 2002 and October 2004. The abuse happened at a clinic he had set up at his Brentwood Park home in the city's Foyle Springs area.

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The former RAF man, who worked under the professional name Richard Glenn, specialised in helping clients stop smoking. But he also offered hypnotherapy as well as laser and acupuncture treatment.

None of the ten he abused were ever hypnotised, but on some occasions their partners were waiting outside his surgery while the attacks were carried out.

PA