Medical practitioner could keep working after sex offence charges

The medical practitioner was sentenced to three years' jail in October, last year. Photo / Thinkstock

A medical practitioner jailed for sexually abusing young boys may still be able to practice if he successfully completes rehabilitative measures.

The practitioner admitted two representative charges and one additional charge of doing an indecent act on a child under 12 in the Christchurch District Court on August 25, last year.

In its decision released today, the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal said the offending occurred on "numerous occasions between 2012 and 2014 although the behaviour had begun much earlier, around 2006".

"The offending occurred over a period of two years in the case of one boy and two and a half years in the case of the other. The behaviour had been doing on prior to the health practitioner's having come to New Zealand and started when the older boy was about three or maybe four."

The sentencing judge said the practitioner had "a deviant sexual interest in pre-pubescent boys' penises".

The judge noted that the health practitioner was a well-educated man and well-thought of in his profession; "and a well-functioning member of society".

He was sentenced to three years' jail in October, last year.

The Tribunal ruled that despite the convictions, he may apply for re-registration after satisfying a list of conditions, including providing evidence that he has undertaken clinical psychological treatment, have no involvement in the treatment of any person under the age of 16 years for a period of time and notify his employer of the tribunal's decision.

He would also have to contribute $5,000 towards the hearing's costs.

Neither the practitioner or his lawyer appeared at the hearing, however a letter from the lawyer said his client acknowledged the convictions reflected badly on his fitness to practice.

After pleading guilty, the practitioner had also voluntary surrendered his practising certificate.

The tribunal found that the convictions did raise issues of trust, public safety and confidence in the practitioner.

"An order for censure should be made. This reflects the tribunal's significant disquiet about the offending and should be a permanent record should the health practitioner ever apply for re-registration."