Police Warn Of "More Victims" Of Addenbrooke's Doctor

15 September 2014, 16:18 | Updated: 15 September 2014, 16:27

Police say there are likely to be more victims of a children's doctor based at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge who has admitted sexually assaulting young cancer sufferers.

Dr Myles Bradbury carried out examinations on young boys "purely for his own sexual gratification" and with no medical justification whatsoever.

The 41-year-old, who worked as a paediatric haematologist at Addenbrooke's, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault and 12 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity when he appeared at Cambridge Crown Court.
Bradbury also pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent images of a child.

Police confirmed that more than 16,000 indecent images of children were also found on a disk in Bradbury's Suffolk home.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police confirmed today that "there are likely to be more victims," adding that a helpline can be called if parents, patients or former patients have any concerns.

Police said the offences involved 18 victims aged from eight to 17 and between 2009 and last year.

Bradbury pleaded not guilty to a count of sexual activity with a child and a count of sexual assault, which Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said will probably remain on file.

His abuse came to light after a victim spoke to his parents about what had happened and he was suspended by the NHS in November last year before being arrested the following month.

He was charged with 11 offences in June but more counts were added to the indictment last month after further victims came forward following publicity.

No date for sentencing was given but the judge said Bradbury could expect a substantial custodial sentence.

Bradbury was bailed and told he would have to sign the sex offenders register.

As he left court, Bradbury told reporters: "I'm so sorry" but refused to answer further questions.

In a statement Dr Keith McNeil, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Addenbrooke's, said "It is hard to put into words just how saddened we are that this situation has occurred, and our most abject and sincere apologies go out to any and all of our patients and their families who are affected by this in any way. As chief executive of the trust, I am so deeply sorry these incidents have happened and I am also deeply saddened, as a doctor, that one of my own profession has placed himself and his patients in this position. There is a very ancient and sacred trust that exists between a doctor and his patients and, quite frankly, it sickens me to think that trust has been breached.''

Ann-Marie Ingle, the trust's chief nurse, said: "I cannot begin to express how sorry I and all of my colleagues are for the distress that Myles Bradbury's abuse caused to patients and their families. Our thoughts, and ongoing support, are with the families and children who are affected by these charges. His cold and calculating abuse of trust has deeply shocked us all, including staff who worked alongside him to care for these vulnerable and sick children. As soon as we were alerted, we took immediate action to suspend him from clinical practice and we have worked closely with the police and the NSPCC over these past months. The actions of one individual should not taint the public's trust in the NHS and the care it provides. I would like to reassure patients and families that our staff working in children's services here at Cambridge University Hospital continue to provide the care which our patients expect and can rely on.''

Detective Sergeant Shane Fasey said Bradbury had been interviewed three times but refused to say anything.

He said: "Bradbury's offences were an appalling breach of trust committed against vulnerable victims who had been placed in his care.
The families believed the boys were in his safe hands but they were actually being abused by Bradbury, who carried out examinations purely for his own sexual gratification and with no medical justification whatsoever.''

Anyone with concerns can call the helpline set up by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust on 0800 389 8625.