Victims help convict sexual predator in St Albans
Man sentenced after assaulting women at Sopwell House Hotel
Four women have helped bring a sexual predator to justice after he was convicted of sexually assaulting them while working as a masseur at Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans.
Sovamsing David Muivah, 26, of Abbots Park in St Albans, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (14th January) to four concurrent prison terms of two-and-a-half years. Muivah was found guilty the previous day of four counts of sexual assault by touching.
The offences, which occurred between February and October 2024, saw Muivah abuse his position of trust during massage sessions to target women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
One victim reported him to the hotel and police in October 2024, leading detectives in St Albans to identify three other victims from different parts of the country. None of the women had known each other before the investigation.
Detective Constable Oliver Virtue said: “These women have shown incredible strength. They were subjected to repeated sexual touching of intimate areas without their consent and then faced the ordeal of a trial and cross-examination. Their resilience ensured Muivah was convicted, and the public is now protected from his predatory behaviour.”
He added: “One victim described Muivah as ‘a sheep in wolf’s clothing’ – an accurate description of how he exploited a position meant to provide care and relaxation.”
The sentencing judge, His Honour Judge Mann, commended the victims’ bravery, stating: “They are by definition in a vulnerable position – often face downwards, effectively naked. Entirely in your trust and that of Sopwell House. I have no doubt this was sexual. One word – violated – comes to mind. It has had a psychological consequence for each of them.”
The judge also highlighted the professionalism of the police investigation and Achieving Best Evidence interviews, praising how officers minimised the victims’ distress during the process.
After serving his custodial sentence, Muivah will be deported back to India.