THE owner of a Widnes nail bar 'abused his position and acted in a sinister manner' during a string of sexual assaults on customers.

Loi Van Ha, 35, was sentenced to seven months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on November 20 after pleading guilty to six counts of sexual assault of a female.

Ha, from Rainhill, was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

The charges relate to incidents which occurred between May 2017 and August 2018 at US Nails on Albert Road in Widnes, a business which was co-owned by Ha.

Each case involved customers who were being given manicures or pedicures by Ha.

The treatment would initially begin as normal before Ha inappropriately touched and stoked the customers in order to sexually arouse himself.

Police constable Emily Ashcroft said: “The nature of Ha’s behaviour should not be understated.

"These woman trusted him but he abused his position and acted in a sinister manner.

“I would like to take this as an opportunity to thank all of the victims in this case for the dignity and courage that they have shown throughout the investigation.

“As a result of the information they provided, Ha is now behind bars and won’t be able to sexually assault any other women.”

Detective inspector Ian Whiley added: “Sexual assaults are among the most traumatic of crimes and we want victims to be assured that we are here to help.

“Anyone who has been subjected to this type of crime should feel confident that they will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers and other support agencies we work alongside.

“Any victim of a crime such as this will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and the needs of the victim as our main priority."

Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of a sexual assault is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101.