GP denies taking fewer notes to hide sex assaults
BBCA former GP on trial for performing unnecessary examinations of patients in Kent has denied taking limited notes to hide the fact he was sexually assaulting them.
Gregory Manson, 56, from Canterbury, is alleged to have carried out examinations of male patients' genitals while working as a GP from 1994 to 2017.
He is facing 17 charges of sexual assault and six of indecent assault relating to nine alleged victims. He denies all the charges.
He told Canterbury Crown Court on Monday that he failed to take notes because he was "more invested in the person in front of me, rather than the computer behind me".
Dr Manson's defence barrister, Mark Harries KC, asked: "Did it ever cross your mind you needed to note down when a genital examination had taken place, in order to protect you?"
He replied: "In retrospect, of course I should have done it. At the time it was not something that I considered at all.
"If I documented every thought going into why I would have performed that examination I would not have had time."
Dr Manson described his work as a "stressful job" and admitted that his notes suffered as a consequence.
He was a GP for 23 years as well as a trainer and programme director of GP training and a GP appraiser for the General Medical Council.
The first complaint of sexual assault against him was filed to police in 2017.
In a police interview, Dr Manson said he had never touched a patient for improper or sexual purposes and said every examination was conducted for justified medical reasons, the court was told.
The trial continues.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.