18.2.09

Sex abuse GP wants name kept secret – but what about the risk?

An Auckland doctor has admitted sexually abusing three young girls living in an environment of "total trust" - but wants permanent name suppression to pursue a return to medicine.

The 59-year-old man pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against girls under the age of 12 at the High Court at Auckland on Wednesday. Two other charges, including rape, were withdrawn by the Crown, and the doctor was granted interim name suppression by Justice Graham Lang until sentencing in April.

However, the man is seeking permanent name suppression so he can return to practise medicine, said his lawyer Peter Winter.

Alan Bell, National Director of ECPAT New Zealand said;

“It is obvious that 20 years after the offences took place the victims are still living with the impact on them. This is the seriousness of this type of crime against the innocence of youth – it can affect their whole lives. Why would it be any less for the perpetrator who could once again be placed in a position of trust – and once again may offend and create more damage to children. He betrayed the trust put in him and demonstrated that the trust was misplaced. The protection of children should be the paramount consideration rather than the continuation of an offender carrying out his profession – a profession he has disgraced.”

The GP, who was 29 to 38 years old during the time of offending, was trusted by those living in the community, where children were nurtured in the belief that all adults there were approachable.

But more than 20 years later, three women alleged the doctor sexually assaulted them when they were as young as five. The guilty pleas to the indecent assault charges relate to incidents where he would touch their genitals with his erect penis.

Justice Lang entered convictions for each of the three guilty pleas and remanded the doctor on bail until sentencing on April 24.

Mr. Winter said he would seek home detention for his client, as the charges were historic. The defence lawyer also indicated the doctor would seek to practise as a GP in Auckland again.

The doctor voluntarily withdrew his practising certificate when charges were laid in February 2008.

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