Former GP Gregory Manson Convicted of Unjustified Genital Examinations on Patients

Gregory Manson, a 56-year-old ex-general practitioner, is facing incarceration after being convicted of conducting unwarranted genital examinations on his patients, including minors. The court found that he performed groin examinations when patients consulted him for unrelated issues like coughs, headaches, or knee sprains. Some victims reported that he removed their underwear without consent. Manson claimed that his medical examinations were strictly to rule out rare diseases he had misdiagnosed previously and had no sexual motives.

Originally from South Africa, Manson became a UK qualified GP in 1998, later serving in various roles including GP trainer and appraiser until his dismissal in 2017. He denied multiple accusations of sexual assault against nine victims but was ultimately found guilty of numerous charges after a lengthy deliberation by the jury at Canterbury Crown Court. The judge conveyed that Manson would likely face a prison sentence, urging him to prepare accordingly.

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that many of Manson's examinations lacked proper medical justification. The prosecution argued that he often sought opportunities to examine patients' genitals out of personal desire rather than medical necessity. The initial victims included two brothers who recalled being asked to undress for examinations, while their mother remained unaware of Manson's actions occurring just outside the waiting room. Manson attempted to justify his actions by citing practices from his earlier training in South Africa, where comprehensive examinations were prioritized due to limited diagnostic resources.

The trial revealed that Manson regularly failed to document his examinations in patient records and did not provide appropriate explanations or chaperones during these intimate checks. Following the trial, a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the profound breach of trust that occurred, stating that patients expected trustworthy medical care, which was compromised by Manson's unprofessional conduct. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 4, with the conditions that he remains on bail until then, which includes restrictions on entering airports, train stations, or ports.