Psychotherapist jailed for sexually assaulting patients at North London practice

A psychotherapist who sexually assaulted two of his patients during treatment sessions at his North London practice has been jailed for 3 years and 9 months.

After receiving new reports of the psychotherapist’s predatory behaviour, Met Police detectives reopened an investigation that had been previously closed for nine years due to a lack of evidence. This renewed focus reflects the Met’s ongoing commitment to protecting victims, reducing reoffending, and securing charges – which have more than doubled since 2022.

Tarkan Mustafa, 55 (26/09/70), of Woodlands Way, Southgate, was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months at Wood Green Crown Court today. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and has received a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Mustafa was previously found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault, including sexual touching, following a two-week trial at the same court.

The offences were committed at Mustafa’s practice, Peace of Mind – Private Therapy, Ponders End, EN3.

Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“Mustafa is a calculated individual. He took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment.

“I want to thank each of the victims for their support and commend their immense courage and bravery in supporting the investigation and providing evidence in court. I hope that today’s sentencing will help to provide closure and strength, knowing that by making a report against Mustafa they have helped to protect other potential patients from becoming victims.

“If you recognise Mustafa’s offending and believe you, or someone you know, may have been a victim, please contact 101 or make a report online, referencing 01/YE/10292/24.

“Today’s sentencing shows that regardless of the amount of time passed, reports will be taken seriously, victims will be supported, and those responsible for committing violence against women will be brought to justice.”

In August 2016, police received a report of sexual assault from a patient of Mustafa, who had attended his North London practice.

An investigation commenced and Mustafa was arrested and interviewed by officers the same month. Officers found that Mustafa had repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim on more than 10 occasions over 10 months; however, no further action was taken by the CPS at the time.

Four years later, on 31 August 2020, a second victim made a report to police that she had been sexually assaulted by Mustafa on two separate occasions in 2014 when she attended his practice for counselling.

The methods of offending included using highly sexualised language, massaging the victims’ breasts under the pretext of ‘complementary therapy’ – which traditionally includes acupressure and massage – and pressing his erect penis into the victim.

A new investigation commenced, and Mustafa was arrested and interviewed on 26 February 2021. Officers investigating the report noticed the similarities between this and the offending described in the original report.

Officers oversaw the reopening of the original investigation, and the victim was contacted by specially trained officers who provided support.

Officers reviewed witness statements and digital evidence relating to both victims, while seeking advice from experts within the fields of psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and acupressure respectively.

Mustafa was voluntarily interviewed on 20 January 2023 and subsequently charged on 23 January 2024.

Following Mustafa’s sentencing, detectives are appealing for any further potential victim-survivors to come forward.

If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Mustafa, you can do so by contacting police on 101 and quoting 01/YE/10292/24.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.