A doctor with a strong interest in male genitals was found with 600 explicit images on his devices, a court revealed. Dr. Timothy Girling from West Molesey, Surrey, was described as betraying the trust of his male patients by sexually assaulting them.
Following a jury trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Girling was sentenced to six years in prison for three counts of sexual assault against four patients, six counts of voyeurism, and one count of attempted voyeurism. Additionally, the 55-year-old pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images of children, with 600 images of male genitalia or revealing clothing discovered on his devices.
During the trial, it was disclosed that Girling would sexually assault and engage in sexual acts with patients under the guise of medical examinations for skin conditions or other health concerns. He covertly filmed appointments using his iPhone and even installed a camera to record men using a restroom. Prosecutor Rebecca Austin stated that Girling abused his medical authority for personal sexual gratification.
One victim reported feeling violated and vulnerable, expressing deep distress over the inappropriate actions of Girling. The prosecution highlighted Girling’s autism diagnosis, linking it to his fixation on male genitals.
In sentencing Girling, Judge Jonathan Fuller KC criticized his continued misconduct despite previous suspensions and reinstatements after complaints. The judge disregarded the autism diagnosis as an excuse, emphasizing Girling’s deliberate exploitation of his patients for his own sexual desires.
Lucy Paddick from the Crown Prosecution Service condemned Girling’s abuse of trust, stating that his actions were premeditated and targeted vulnerable individuals in clinical settings where they should have felt safe. She underscored the importance of prosecuting such breaches of authority to uphold patient safety and trust in the medical profession.