Gidea Park GP fondled erectile dysfunction patients, court told
The case is being heard at the Old Bailey (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images) - Credit: Getty Images
A GP fondled two patients while treating them for erectile dysfunction, a court heard today.
Dr Ferdinand Cruz, 49, of Balgores Lane, Gidea Park, is accused of repeatedly groping the men during private consultations at his surgery in Seven Kings.
The alleged victims, both in their 20s, were “humiliated” by the attacks after consulting their doctor about sensitive medical issues, the Old Bailey was told.
Jurors heard one was so embarrassed and ashamed he was forced to take time off work and went to Saudi Arabia.
Prosecutor Felicia Davey said: “Dr Cruz took advantage of the vulnerable situation both patients found themselves in, in the full knowledge that what he was doing was not appropriate medical treatment.”
The first victim, aged 25, saw Dr Cruz at The Doctors House, Cameron Road, in October 2010, when he took urine samples and asked him to perform a solo sex act before sexually assaulting him, jurors heard.
He repeated the attack at a second consultation the next month, it is claimed, and at a third, Dr Cruz allegedly told the patient to perform a sex act on himself, saying he “needed to see it”.
Most Read
- 1 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee flypast: Where, and when, the planes will fly over north and east London
- 2 Girl, 17, held on suspicion of terrorism offences after east London arrest
- 3 'Crucial' consultation begins on proposed changes to Lower Thames Crossing project
- 4 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Street parties and road closures in Havering
- 5 Here are five top-rated delicious 'cheap eats' in Havering, according to Tripadvisor
- 6 Travel bulletin: Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham
- 7 As many as 15 injured in Gidea Park bus crash
- 8 Have your say: End of consultation on plans for 860 Romford homes looms
- 9 'Irreversible stress': Nearly 2,000 oppose move to suspend Cranham and Upminster midwifery service
- 10 TfL consultation opens on plans to extend ULEZ into Greater London
The second victim, also 25, went to Dr Cruz in early 2012 for treatment of erectile dysfunction and other issues.
Dr Cruz allegedly asked if he “would like some help” before molesting him, and carried out similar assaults during two other appointments.
The victim who flew to Saudi Arabia reported what happened to staff at Queen’s hospital in Romford on his return.
The other man had already complained to police after confiding in his girlfriend and mother.
In July Dr Cruz was arrested and denied the allegations, saying he was “surprised and shocked” the patients had complained.
He denies six counts of sexual assault.
The trial continues.
