A former doctor has appeared in court to face multiple sexual offence charges involving hospital patients, including children, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the UK healthcare system.
According to proceedings reported by BBC News, Nathaniel Spencer, from Hockley in Birmingham, is accused of committing 45 sexual offences against 38 female patients.
The charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place between 2017 and 2021 at:
Royal Stoke University Hospital
Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley
Prosecutors told the court that some of the patients involved were under the age of 13 at the time of the alleged offences, highlighting the seriousness of the case.
Spencer faces a total of 45 charges, including:
15 counts of sexual assault
17 counts of assault by penetration
9 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
3 counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13
1 count of attempted assault by penetration
The allegations center on claims that the offences occurred while he was treating patients in his role as a doctor.
Spencer appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday for a hearing lasting approximately 45 minutes.
During the hearing:
He spoke only to confirm his name
He was not required to enter pleas
The court confirmed that the case will proceed, with another pre-trial hearing scheduled at a later date.
The Recorder of Stoke-on-Trent, Judge Sally Hancox, renewed Spencer’s conditional bail during the hearing.
Judge Hancox told the court that it would not be practical for the trial to take place in Stoke-on-Trent. She stated that discussions were ongoing with officials overseeing the Midlands court circuit to determine a suitable alternative venue.
Addressing the defendant, she said that at the next hearing, the court would consider:
The location of the trial
The timing and timetable
Whether arraignment would take place if necessary
Spencer was charged in December following what Staffordshire Police described as a complex investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving patients.
The investigation examined multiple complaints, ultimately leading to formal charges being brought before the court.
The case is still ongoing, and no verdict has been reached. Spencer remains entitled to a fair trial, and the allegations will be tested in court as proceedings continue.
