A MASSAGE parlour owner has been jailed for sexually assaulting female customers.

Alex Holman ran a business on London Road in Brighton, telling one victim that "you would be surprised as to what goes on within these four walls".

His wife Gloria Duran was also jailed after trying to intimidate both women into withdrawing their allegations.

The couple ran Relax Beauty and Massage where both victims were assaulted in February and November 2018.

Judge Mark van der Zwart told Holman he had abused their trust while they were in a vulnerable position, naked in a darkened room with a man they did not know.

He said: "Your first victim was a lady of mature years, she hoped it would be relaxing and enjoyable experience.

"She placed great trust in you, you betrayed that trust and took the opportunity to get sexual gratification.

"You ignored her warning and email complaint when your second victim attended your salon several months later.

"She was a younger woman, again, the trust placed in you was very high. Again you betrayed that trust and you continue to deny your guilt."

Days before Holman was due to be tried in November 2019, Duran emailed both victims asking them to withdraw their allegations.

The 47-year-old told both women they could face financial penalties and used emotional blackmail in a bid to convince them to drop the case.

The trial, at Lewes Crown Court, was delayed causing even more stress and distress to the victims.

Holman was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, he was sentenced for 15 months for each crime, with his sentence to be served consecutively.

The 57-year-old, of Preston Park Avenue, was also added to the sex offenders register for life.

In a powerful and emotional impact statement, his second victim said she had suffered physically, emotionally and psychologically as a direct result of being assaulted by Holman.

The young woman told how she has ongoing medical conditions and was prescribed antidepressants.

"With two months to go before my wedding, I still have the night terrors, I still feel like half the person I was before the assault."

Duran was jailed for 12 months after being convicted of two counts of intimidating witnesses and one of perverting the course of justice.