Dr Stephen Cox: Sexual predator GP practiced in Sussex

Dr Stephen Cox, 65, was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Monday after being found guilty of a string of indecent assaults against seven female patients.

Now, investigators have warned that Cox spent time as a family doctor in Ouse Valley and they have urged any potential victims to come forward.

Cox, from Stockton Mill, Welshpool, Shropshire, repeatedly indecently assaulted seven of his female patients on the pretext of carrying out routine medical examinations, between 1988 and 1997.

Judge Sarah Campbell said Cox selected female victims who he believed were less likely to complain because of their age or background, adding that several were pregnant or had come out of abusive relationships.

Dr Stephen Cox (Image: Thames Valley Police)

On Friday, Cox was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault and acquitted of a further four, after a four-week retrial at Reading Crown Court.

During the trial, the jury heard that Cox touched parts of patients’ bodies during examinations at his surgery in Bracknell, Berkshire, despite there being no medical reason to do so.

As well as getting patients to undress unnecessarily, he touched their breasts, pressed his body against them, and carried out internal examinations when they were not needed or without using gloves.

The offences took place before the use of computerised healthcare records, which meant the police investigation revolved around handwritten GP notes.

The indecent assaults were not reported at the time, and victims came forward once a police investigation opened into Cox, the CPS said.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Campbell told Cox: “Your convictions demonstrate the gross breach of trust you committed in your role as their trusted GP.

“Doctors are amongst the most highly respected and trusted members of our society.

“The convictions strike at the heart of everything the medical profession stands for.

“You are in a sense the worst kind of sexual predator, hiding in plain sight behind the guise of a trusted friendly family GP but who took advantage of the unique position you were in to abuse and satisfy your sexual desires.”

As well as working in Ouse Valley, Cox also worked in Burton-on-Trent, Wolverhampton and Derby, among other locations.

Judge Campbell added: “As many sexual predators do, you picked your female victims carefully, knowing that because of their age or their history and background they would be less likely to complain.”

One victim said that Cox “used my vulnerability to his advantage”, adding he would wheel his chair to hers and then “rub my legs”.

Another woman, who was indecently assaulted by Cox, said: “He is a nasty vile little man and I will never forgive him for what he did to me.”

She added: “Since reporting this to the police, I have been haunted by all the things I remembered.

“I cannot explain how much I hate Stephen Cox.”

Another victim said: “Dr Cox made me hate my body so much that I ended up going to my new doctor to have a breast reduction.”

Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio said potential victims could contact Thames Valley Police at any time on 101 quoting Operation Kurtosis, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.