Healer methods doubted by expert

The methods of a practitioner of holistic medicine have been questioned by an expert witness at a Devon court.

James Hands, 69, from Ottery St Mary, has pleaded not guilty to a number of assaults on semi-naked patients.

The court heard one woman said he had circled her nipples with his fingers as part of a lymphatic drainage process.

Expert witness Prof Edzard Ernst told the jury at Exeter Crown Court that nipple stroking was "not a lymphatic drainage technique".

It is not part of lymphatic drainage of the groin Prof Edzard Ernst

Mr Hands has pleaded not guilty to five charges of indecent assault on four women, and three charges of sexual assault on two others over a 10-year period.

Professor Ernst, professor of complementary and alternative medicine at Exeter University, was asked about evidence from the woman about how Mr Hands had touched her.

The prosecutor Mary McCarthy said another woman - who went to Mr Hands with lower back pain - described how Mr Hands touched her.

Prof Ernst told the court that the methods she described were "not part of lymphatic drainage of the groin".

During cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Dunkels QC, Prof Ernst agreed that while performing lymphatic drainage, the therapist's hands may touch the breast.

He also agreed that during the procedure, the therapist's hands may touch the the crease of the groin.

The case continues.