St Albans Hotel Masseur jailed for sexual abuse
The offender targeted women during massages at Sopwell House Hotel
Last updated 14th Jan 2026
Four women have been praised for their courage after helping to secure the conviction of a masseur who sexually assaulted them while working at a luxury hotel in St Albans.
Sovamsing David Muivah, 26, of Abbots Park, was sentenced today (Wednesday 14 January) to four prison terms of two-and-a-half years, to be served at the same time, after a jury found him guilty yesterday (Tuesday 13 January) of four offences of sexual assault by touching.
The crimes occurred at Sopwell House Hotel between February and October 2024. Muivah, who worked under the name David, abused the trust placed in him as a therapist by sexually touching women during massage sessions.
He denied all charges, forcing his victims, women aged between their 30s and 50s, to give evidence in court about their experiences.
Police were first alerted in October 2024 when one woman reported her assault to the hotel and to officers. Her decision to come forward triggered an investigation by St Albans CID, which uncovered three additional victims living in different parts of the country. None of the women knew each other.
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 victims said today that they are relieved that he has been sentenced. Three of the victims admitted they feared they would not be believed – something Muivah was counting on.
His Honour Judge Mann (King’s Counsel) commended the bravery of the victims during sentencing, saying: “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 praised the police investigation and Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews, describing them as “professional and well executed, which minimised concerns to the victims, and a good presentation was made to the court.”
After serving his custodial sentence, Muivah will be deported back to India.