Cork court: Doctor to face trial by judge and jury over accusation of sexual assault at practice

A doctor has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at his practice and he appeared before Cork District Court yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Ailish Murphy said the Director of Public Prosecutions gave directions that the case against the accused, who is in his mid-thirties, could proceed at Cork District Court but only on a plea of guilty.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said the defendant would be pleading not guilty to the sexual assault charge.

On that basis it will have to be sent forward for trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court but first a book of evidence will have to be prepared.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until December 1 for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

Judge Dorgan said there are reporting restrictions on identification of the parties.

Det Sgt Murphy testified that on an afternoon in November last year the complainant attended for an informal consultation.

“It is alleged that he sexually assaulted her during her consultation by placing a stethoscope on her breast inside her clothing and later carrying out an unnecessary breast examination,” Det Sgt Murphy said.

It was further alleged that the doctor kissed her before she left and asked for her home address.