Five years in jail for Former Formby doctor who was sentenced today for Indecent Assault

Dr Stephen Crosby, a GP at The Village Surgery in Formby, molested female patients and has today been sentenced for five years. Dr Crosby had previously been jailed for five years in 2004 after 23 women patients came forward making similar allegations about sex attacks by him over a 20 year period.

Stephen Crosby, 63, of Wrigleys Close in Formby, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty following a trial of one count of indecent assault which took place in February 2000 when he was working as a doctor. Judge Andrew Menary, QC, today agreed with the woman's concerns and sentenced him for his assault on her on February 4, 2000.

The woman, now 59, saw Dr Crosby, who was not her usual doctor, in an emergency appointment at The Village Surgery in Elbow Lane in Formby. The woman was complaining of abdominal pain and was subjected to an internal examination. The jury heard that the victim did not complain at the time because of family pressures and then moved away from Formby to Yorkshire for a long time. After she moved back, she heard Crosby had been convicted of outraging public decency. During the doctor’s examination of her he did not use gloves or lubricant and did not ask the woman if she wanted a chaperone. Crosby pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and told the court he is not an abuser. The court heard that as well as the 2014 conviction for exposing himself he had been cautioned for a similar offence in 2001.

Judge Menary told Crosby: “What she did not know, could not have known but later events revealed, is that you were a predatory sex offender taking advantage of opportunities to carry out intimate examinations on women in order to fulfill your perverted desire for sexual gratification.”

He pointed out that the victim is believed to have been suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease and any internal examination would have been particularly uncomfortable. Nevertheless you asked her to get on the couch, lower her clothing and then you carried out an internal vaginal examination, inserting one or more fingers of your right hand and using fingers on your left hand to massage her clitoris. It did not last long but long enough to make it plain this was no ordinary medical examination. I am satisfied from a medical point of view that this was wholly unnecessary and pointless examination."

“That was not the reason you carried it out on that day and the fact you did not record that examination in the notes makes that plain. It was not recorded because it should never had happened in the way it did.”

Judge Menary said the affect on the victim has been “profound and she lives with the consequences consciously and sub-consciously. Her statement makes plain the impact on her life and personal relationships.”

Stephen Crosby stood trial in 2004 facing allegations of indecently assaulting 12 women. He was convicted of seven of them and cleared of five. Allegations by a further 14 women were left to lie on the file. He was later struck off by the GMC. Judge Menary said that Crosby denied all the allegations and still does but was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday and sentenced today.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that if the offences were committed today, they would be charged as assault by penetration which carries the maximum of a life sentence. Judge Menary ordered Crosby, who showed no emotion, to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. After he left the dock, he told the jury that the events were plainly tragic for Crosby’s family, "who have plainly stood by him all these years …..and continue to believe the best about him."

His wife and other supporters sat in the public gallery throughout the trial and his wife left in tears today.

Merseyside Police today, Tuesday 18th October, welcomed the sentencing of the Formby man for indecent assault. Detective Constable Tracy O’Hara said: “Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offences extremely seriously, whether or not they are recent, and has dedicated officers within the force’s Unity Team who are specially trained to both thoroughly investigate allegations and make sure that those reporting them are properly supported." “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated."

“The victim in this case came forward and today she has received justice. Hopefully today’s sentencing will mean she can now move on with her life.” People can call officers in the force's specialist Unity team on 0151 777 1382. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.