Paediatrician accused of sexual offences against child cancer sufferers

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jul/04/paediatrician-sexual-offences-children-addenbrookes

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A paediatrician is accused of sexual offences against cancer sufferers in his care as young as 11, prosecutors told a court.

Dr Myles Bradbury faces four counts of sexual assault and four counts of engaging in, or inciting a boy to engage in, sexual activity. The 41-year-old paediatric haematologist at Addenbrooke's hospital, Cambridge, appeared at Cambridge magistrates court.

Delia Matthews, prosecuting, said: "The allegation is an abuse of trust in that he was the doctor of these children – boys as young as 11 who were cancer sufferers in his care."

The alleged offences date back to 2011 and relate to boys aged between 11 and 15.

He also faces two charges of making indecent images of a child and one count of voyeurism, in which it is alleged he secretly filmed somebody engaging in a sex act.

Wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt and tie, Bradbury, of Herringswell, Suffolk, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He did not indicate any likely plea and was bailed to appear before Cambridge crown court on 11 July. He left the court building by a rear entrance to avoid camera crews.

Cambridge University hospitals NHS foundation trust, which runs Addenbrooke's, has set up a helpline to be used "if parents, patients or former patients have any concerns". The trust added it was working closely with the NSPCC. Since the alleged offences, Bradbury has left his job at the hospital and has not worked there this year.

The helpline, on 0800 389 8625, can be reached between 8am and 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm at weekends.