An “energy healer” from Longford has been convicted of sexually assaulting a client by instructing her to lay her hands on his lower abdomen while he took deep breaths and gazed into her eyes, claiming to eradicate “sexual blockages” resulting from previous sexual trauma. David Reilly, aged 50, from Springlawn, Longford, stood trial at Longford Circuit Court over the recent week. He was found guilty of one instance of sexual assault and one instance of behaviour of a sexual nature deemed offensive before Judge Kenneth Connolly and a panel of 12 jurists between August and September 2021.
The victim reported to Prosecutor Shane Geraghty and the jurors that she was previously diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, in 2020. She visited Mr Reilly’s medical practice because a friend recommended it. After seeing Mr Reilly twice at Healing Ireland in August 2021, she stated that the treatment improved her energy levels.
During her second appointment, when her daughter was present, she alleged that Mr Reilly leaned in to whisper in her ear, asking her if she had previously “been exploited”. She answered affirmatively. He promised to correct the situation but instructed her to attend the next session alone. He stated her “sexual blockages” would be alleviated using deep breathing exercises, she reported.
The woman arranged a third appointment and attended Healing Ireland alone on September 2nd, 2021. She said Mr Reilly requested her to rise to her feet and stand extremely close to him. He then commanded her to gaze into his eyes and “breathe downwards”.
The individual’s tone was becoming increasingly severe, making me feel compelled to follow his instructions. He persuaded me into actively breathing deeply and maintaining eye contact, while silently repeating the words ‘joy’ and ‘good heavens’ in my mind,” she conveyed.
She further revealed that Mr Reilly had her physically touch his posterior and upper leg regions. “His hands were situated below my navel, descending towards my pelvic area,” she narrated.
She detailed his efforts to have her hands ascend his body, coupled with the repetition of phrases, deep respiration, and unbroken eye contact. “I felt extremely nauseous, overwhelmed and threatened. He insisted that this method would be ineffectual unless I partook. It culminated with my hands in his pelvic region,” the female recounted. Her emotions during the experience varied from feeling unwell and disoriented to being fearful and repulsed. All the while, she was stuck in a state of shock and disbelief.
She further narrated that when other clients arrived, Mr Reilly discreetly moved her to a settee, hidden from view from the consulting room’s entrance. Instructing her to lie down, he persistently massaged her lower abdomen, suggesting she had “five blockages” remaining. He subsequently ushered her into a dimmer, secluded room, tugged her arms to her rear. The incident concluded only when the front desk attendant signalled – on one or two occasions – through the door’s glass, indicating waiting clients.
Upon arrest and interrogation by the respective Detectives Gda Orla Gilmartin and Gda John Gormley, Mr Reilly clarified that his occupation as an energy healer allowed him to “seal the aura”, extract negativity and infuse energy into his clients.
He dismissed the complainant’s accusations as falsehoods, claiming to be the real casualty in the scenario. The jury unilaterally declared him guilty on all charges.
No appeal for Mr Reilly’s detention was put forward, albeit a proposal that he report biweekly and provide only distant energy healing consultations was discussed. However, Judge Connolly was outwardly displeased with this idea.
The incident, which happened nearly three years ago, necessitated that the aggrieved party testify and endure rigorous questioning in the courtroom, he said.
I sensed that Mr Reilly didn’t approach the issue with genuine seriousness and his defence seemed almost ridiculous at times. Mr Reilly is now under judicial custody until 5th of November 2024, at which point he will be presented for his sentencing.