A Kingston University osteopath who made a female patient do topless yoga and gave her intimate massages has been struck off.

Malcolm Mayer allowed professional boundaries between himself and his “naive” patient to break down “for his own sexual gratification”, the General Osteopathic Council ruled.

He is said to have spoken in French with his victim, brushed his groin against her arm and massaged her clitoris and vagina during a lymphatic massage, as well as her breasts and nipples.

Mayer had been an osteopath for 40 years and practised at Kingston University’s health centre in Penrhyn Road for 20 years before allegations of sexual abuse were made last October.

The abuse took place between August 2010 and October 2013, when “Patient A”, a French national, visited the centre for more than 100 consultations.

Mayer, who denied the allegations, did not attend the three-day professional conduct hearing between November 24 and 26.

But the committee concluded Mayer had abused his position and breached the trust of a vulnerable patient by his “sexually motivated behaviour”.

The commitee’s findings stated: “There is no doubt in the committee’s judgment that the registrant’s actions caused harm to Patient A.

“Further, such serious conduct of this kind undermines the reputation of the profession and the trust and confidence which the public is entitled to expect.

“The committee is satisfied that this conduct would be regarded as deplorable by fellow practitioners.

“The registrant allowed proper professional boundaries between himself and Patient A to break down over time and as this broke down embarked upon conduct that was for his own sexual gratification.”

The committee heard how Mayer had given Patient A gifts, a free gym pass, free appointments and had commented on her body.

The complainant had not realised this was unprofessional at first.

The committee minutes said: “She described how her upbringing and character led her to be absolutely trusting of those in authority, whether parents, teachers or healthcare professionals – the latter of whom she had had considerable experience.

“The committee was satisfied that she saw the best in people and that her character displayed a certain fragility and naivety.”

A spokeswoman from Kingston University said: “This individual had practised at the university for many years without any known complaints having previously been lodged against them.

“As soon as the allegations were brought to the attention of the university, the service offered by this practitioner was immediately brought to an end by the mutual consent of the university and the practitioner.

“The university will only work with professionally qualified and recognised practitioners and, following the actions of the General Osteopathic Council, will not work with any osteopath who does not hold registration of their recognised professional body.”