Doctor charged with sexually assaulting 38 patients who were in his care

The 38-year-old is charged with 17 counts of assault by penetration; nine counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; three counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and one count of attempting to assault by penetration.

These charges follow what Staffordshire Police dubbed a "complex investigation" into alleged sexual offences at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, in Stoke-on-Trent, and Russells Hall Hospital, in Dudley.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2017 and 2021.

He is due to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme on January 20.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West Midlands CPS Complex Casework Unit and Serious Violence, Organised Crime and Exploitation Unit Ben Samples confirmed the arrest.

He said: "We have decided to prosecute Nathaniel Spencer for a number of serious sexual offences allegedly carried out against patients while he was working as a doctor, including assault by penetration and sexual assault against a child."

He continued: "Our prosecutors have worked at length to support a detailed and complex investigation by Staffordshire Police, carefully reviewing the available evidence to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact Staffordshire Police.

The Crown Prosecution Service has reminded all members of the public that criminal proceedings against the defendant are now active.

A CPS spokesman said: "It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

A Royal Stoke spokesman said: "University Hospitals North Midlands has fully cooperated with the police and relevant authorities throughout their investigation. We cannot comment on an ongoing criminal process but would like to reassure the public that the safety and well-being of our patients and their relatives are our highest priority.

“We understand that many will find this news deeply concerning for our patients, staff, and the wider community.

"We would encourage anyone who is concerned about the care they have received at our hospitals to contact our dedicated helpline on 01782 672540."