A MAN claiming to be a psychotherapist preyed on vulnerable women, saying he could help them overcome their problems, then subjected them to a litany of sexual torture, a court heard.

Christopher Dearman, 53, of Stonegarth, Wass, near Malton, denies 12 charges including four rapes, three indecent assaults and five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

His cottage in the picturesque village became a torture chamber where women were stripped and tied up, punched, raped and beaten with canes and rose bush branches, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Jennifer Kershaw, prosecuting, told the jury that between April 1995 and May 1997 vulnerable women, including two from York, became the victims of conduct which was "beyond normal sexual practice", but involved the "infliction of physical pain and injury on those involved".

Dearman allegedly told several women in vulnerable positions that therapy could help them overcome personal problems.

But the court heard that he took advantage of his position to rape, sexually assault and hit them.

The first woman was a prostitute in Leeds. Dearman met her in April, 1995, and was her client for two years.

In October, 1995, at his North Yorkshire home, he allegedly tied her up and beat her with a clump of rose branches, causing painful cuts and scratches.

On another occasion at her home in Leeds, he was said to have hit her with a belt while she was naked, causing bruises and marks.

Miss Kershaw said another victim was a respectable woman in her 50s from York, who advertised in a newspaper for a partner.

Dearman replied and shortly afterwards a normal relationship began.

The couple were eventually married in November, 1996, and until that point they had enjoyed a normal sexual relationship.

Dearman told his wife he was a retired psychotherapist and suggested she receive some form of treatment, the jury were told. He allegedly insisted that this treatment involved pain and fear.

He tied her up and struck her buttocks, and when she struggled free he slapped her hard across the face, the court heard.

The third alleged victim was a young woman from York who also placed an advert in a newspaper, this time looking for work.

Miss Kershaw said she was very vulnerable, with a number of problems.

Dearman allegedly told her he was a doctor and could help her, using various forms of therapy. But the court heard that she was subjected to rape, indecent assault and actual bodily harm, in which she was tied up and hit across her buttocks.

In the case of the fourth victim, a pregnant heroin addict from Leeds, was tied her to a wooden frame and caned her on the buttocks.

He beat her with a cane during the assault with such severity that she was sick halfway through the attack, the court was told.

The hearing continues.

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