Former doctor, Michael Salmon, accused of sexually abusing patients

Former consultant paediatrician Michael Salmon is currently being tried at Reading Crown Court in relation to 16 charges, including rape and indecent assault, whilst working during the 1970s and 1980s.

It is alleged that Salmon took advantage of one victim whilst distressed, offering her an illegal abortion. Miranda Moore QC, acting for the prosecution, stated that he went on to rape her in the aftermath of the abortion, which he performed in a bedroom in his home. It is alleged that he said to her before the rape that “one favour deserves another’.

Another charge relates to a child who was a patient at Stoke Mandeville. She alleges that whilst she was in the care of Stoke Mandeville she was raped by three men, one being Salmon. Following her ordeal she was returned to the ward by a hospital porter.

In circumstances that have a disturbing likeness to the case of Myles Bradbury the court heard that Salmon would abuse young girls during the course of medical examinations. He would grope girls under the pretence of listening to their heart whilst ensuring that they were either behind a screen, hidden from their parents or that their parents were outside the room.

Salmon was described as “bomb proof” by Ms Moore QC because he believed that no one would accept the word of a child over his.

The trial continues.

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