Council’s successful prosecution of Horsham acupuncturist

Horsham District Council successfully took an unlicensed acupuncturist from Horsham town centre to court (week commencing 27 January). The acupuncturist, Ms Yao Weinx known as LALA was found guilty of causing burns to an eighty-six year old pensioner.

Worthing magistrates rejected the not guilty plea, concluding Ms Yao did cause an injury of significant harm, and displayed a wilful blindness to risk.

Sentencing Ms Yao Wenix to twenty six weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months and awarding costs of almost £6000, the court concluded the general public had been exposed to harm and confirmed to Ms Yao she now had a criminal record.

The unlicensed acupuncturist should not have treated the pensioner, who had hoped to find relief for her hip, but instead was left with a serious debilitating burn injury to her ankle. The lady was not aware that the law requires an operator’s licence to be displayed, and was shocked to find the business uninsured, unlicensed and operating illegally.

The visit, which took place in 2017, resulted in excruciating pain, permanent scarring and loss of mobility for the lady in question.

Commenting on the prosecution, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan said:

“This was an extremely shocking case which resulted in severe injuries.

“Putting the public’s health and safety first is key for us as a council and we take offences like this very seriously. It is heartening that the courts share our views.

Our Environmental Health team will continue to do all within its power to make sure that local businesses comply so that the public are not exposed to harmful risks.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan

Businesses seeking help and advice regarding health and safety measures should contact the Council’s Environmental Health and Licensing team via email or by calling 01403 215641.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .