Sexual Predator Sentenced in West Kensington Massage Horror
Mongkhon Thopwan, 54, has finally been put behind bars for sexually assaulting women while working as a masseur in West Kensington. The beast was convicted of five counts of assault by penetration and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent after a chilling six-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court.
Judge Sends Massage Sex Offender Down
On Friday, 24 June, Thopwan received his sentence. The court heard how he abused his position of trust, attacking two women at the Nine Lucksa Thai massage parlour on North End Road – seven months apart. Both brave victims reported him to police, sparking a tough investigation despite a lack of forensic or CCTV evidence. The case was won entirely on their powerful testimonies.
Detective Praises Courage of Victims, Calls for More to Come Forward
“I applaud the tremendous courage and bravery of these two women, as without their evidence we would not have been able to remove this sexual predator from our streets,” said Detective Constable Natalie Witt of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
“Thopwan is an extremely dangerous offender who targeted these women when they were most vulnerable. Their crucial evidence led to his conviction and ensures he cannot hurt anyone else.”
“If you have been a victim of similar attacks, please come forward and quote reference 8803/02NOV20. We have specially trained officers ready to support you.”
Victims Speak Out: Trauma and Relief
The second victim, known only as Molly, shared her experience:
“I considered keeping this serious assault a secret because I couldn’t bear to relive it. It felt strange, humiliating, and hideous. Thinking about the anger, sadness, and anxiety that would have eaten me up if I stayed silent is painful.”
“I called my best friend in a panic, and she persuaded me to contact the police. I’m so glad I did because it was ‘not my secret’ anymore. A supportive network held me up. Thopwan was arrested within an hour and spent three months in jail before his release on strict conditions.”
Police Crackdown: Licences Revoked and Investigation Continues
- Thopwan was first arrested in November 2020, two days after the initial assault.
- The Met and Hammersmith & Fulham Council swiftly revoked his therapist’s licence and the massage parlour’s business licence by December 2020.
- He was charged again after a second assault in June 2021 and remanded in custody.
- At the time, Thopwan was not registered to work, further highlighting his reckless disregard for the law.
Due to the sensitive nature of these crimes, no CCTV or forensic proof was available. The Met urges anyone affected by similar abuse to get in touch. Support is available via trusted groups like The Havens or London Survivors Gateway, offering 24/7 advice and help for sexual assault victims.
