London physiotherapist facing $2.65 million lawsuit over alleged sexual abuse
A London, Ont. physiotherapist is facing a $2.65 million lawsuit filed by a female patient who claims he sexually abused her during appointments earlier this year.
Dillon J. Richards and Preferred Rehab Physiotherapy - Active Medical are named in a lawsuit involving $2.65 million in damages filed by the alleged victim. She claims he “repeatedly sexually abused, assaulted, harassed and exploited the plaintiff,” the claim reads.
The statement of claim includes allegations that have not yet been tested in court.
Richards is also expected to attend a disciplinary hearing by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario on similar charges related to the same alleged events.
The alleged victim said he sent nude photos to her and engaged in sexual intercourse with her during appointments at the Preferred Rehab Physiotherapy - Active Medical clinic in London.
The claim file states she did not give consent.
The alleged victim was 21-years-old at the time and has not been identified in the lawsuit.
Richards was previously working as a physiotherapist at Preferred Rehab Physiotherapy and a graduating teaching assistant at Western University.
A Western University spokesperson told CTV News London that Richards is no longer working at the school, and said in an emailed statement, “His term as a teaching assistant ended in May 2022.”
The notice of hearing from the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario states that between Jan. 1 to March 1, 2022, “Richards engaged in professional misconduct,” by allegedly sexually abusing a patient, allegedly failing to maintain the standards of practice and allegedly falsifying a record.
In January the patient went to the clinic for an assessment with Richards because she was complaining of sciatica pain. She continued to go to the clinic to get treatment by Richards until the end of February, the claim said.
During that time, Richards allegedly engaged in sexual communications with the patient through social media by sending nude images of himself and requesting the same from the patient, the claim reads.
Richards allegedly had sex with the patient during their appointments more than once.
After he became aware that the woman planned on reporting sexual abuse to the College of Physiotherapists, Richards allegedly altered her chart, making false entries in order to discredit her, the claim states.
Richards was terminated by Preferred Rehab Physiotherapy on Feb. 24 after the patient came forward with allegations, according to the College of Physiotherapists.
Richard’s attorney Rebecca Young and Preferred Rehab Physiotherapy did not respond to CTV News London’s request for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.