Chiropractor who sparked outrage for cracking newborn baby’s spine now convicted sex offender

Dr Ian Rossborough, a former chiropractor known in Melbourne's elite dance circles for treating injuries, has been convicted of sexual assault and grooming after a trial last September. The court found him guilty of four counts of sexual assault and grooming of a child aged 16 to 17, specifically targeting Sarah Rose, a young aspiring ballerina. Rossborough received a two-year Community Correction Order and is now classified as a convicted sex offender. Rossborough gained notoriety a decade ago when he was accused of dangerously manipulating the spine of a four-day-old baby. That incident sparked public outrage and led to scrutiny of his practices. However, it was later revealed that he had a long history of treating young dancers, including Sarah Rose, who first sought his help for a torn hamstring at age 10. At the time, she was undergoing intense dance training and struggling with physical demands. Rose, now 25, described how Rossborough cultivated a close relationship with her, praising her discipline and maturity while expressing a desire to support her career. He recommended regular visits for treatment and gradually increased the frequency of their sessions. Over time, these sessions evolved beyond medical care. Rossborough began texting Rose frequently, sharing personal details about his life and even inviting her to participate in yoga classes. He referred to her as his “good buddy” and gave her his personal phone number, allowing her to bypass his waiting list. According to Rose, the sessions were initially intended to last 15 minutes, but Rossborough extended them to an hour without charging her. She focused entirely on her dancing career, which became her primary identity. It was during this period that she became aware of the inappropriate nature of their interactions. Rossborough allegedly used his position of authority and the trust placed in him to manipulate and exploit her. Another woman, also a young dancer treated by Rossborough, has come forward with similar allegations. This individual, now in her 30s, claims she was groomed and sexually abused by Rossborough over nearly three years when she was a teenager. She was referred to Rossborough by her dance school and subsequently became a target of his predatory behavior. She has since submitted a detailed 13-page statement to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), detailing her experiences and requesting further action. AHPRA is currently investigating Rossborough's conduct independently. The agency is considering whether to refer the case to a civil tribunal, which handles serious complaints against health professionals. The woman expressed deep distress over the situation, stating that the injustice of her experience continues to weigh heavily on her. She believes Rossborough remains a threat to the community and insists that her allegations must be taken seriously. In addition to the criminal charges, Rossborough was suspended from practicing as a chiropractor by AHPRA last year and has since surrendered his registration. His actions have raised concerns about the oversight of healthcare professionals and the potential risks posed by individuals who exploit their positions of trust. The cases involving Rossborough highlight broader issues surrounding the intersection of professional misconduct and personal exploitation. Both victims describe feeling powerless and vulnerable, emphasizing how the imbalance of power within their relationships allowed the abuse to occur. Their testimonies underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector, particularly regarding the ethical responsibilities of practitioners who work with minors.