Holistic healer denies assaults

A holistic practitioner has appeared before Exeter Crown Court accused of sexually assaulting female patients while giving them treatment.

James Hands, 69, from Ottery St Mary, Devon, is accused of carrying out the assaults over a ten-year period.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault and five counts of indecent assault.

The women were being treated for conditions including neck and back problems. The case continues.

The assaults involved six different women and are alleged to have taken place at Hands' practice rooms, which were located at his Devon home.