Romford doctor charged with 118 sexual offences appears in court
Romford GP Dr Manish Shah arriving at Barkingside Magistrates Court to face charges of 118 sexual assaults - Credit: Archant
A Romford doctor has appeared in court charged with 118 sexual offences, including sexually assaulting a girl under 13 years old.
Manish Shah, 47, of Brunel Close, Romford, is accused of assaulting 54 different victims at his surgery in Havering, which cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offences are alleged to have all taken place in the borough between 2008 and 2013, with some occuring over several years, according to the counts.
An investigation was launched after several people contacted the police in July and August 2013. He was charged on August 2 of this year.
This morning Dr Shah appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing.
He is charged with 65 counts of assault by penetration, 52 counts of sexual assault and one sexual assault on a girl aged under 13.
Dr Shah, wearing a navy jacket, red and white striped shirt and purple tie, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and an indication to plead not guilty.
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District Judge Richard Hawgood said: “I hear what your indication is. These are matters that can only be dealt with in the crown court, or they are matters that are linked to matters that can only be heard at crown court.”
He referred the case to Snaresbrook Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on September 27, and granted conditional bail.
Dr Shah is not to attend his former sugery, contact any past or present patients or employees, or access any NHS records.
He is also barred from practising as a doctor, after having been suspended by the General Medical Council since August 2014.
