A former sexual health doctor has been jailed for six years after being convicted of a series of sexual assault and voyeurism offences against patients who had placed their trust in him.
Following a detailed investigation by Dorset Police and a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, 55-year-old Timothy Girling, of West Molesey in Surrey, was found guilty of abusing his position to inappropriately touch patients and secretly record intimate examinations.
Detectives have paid tribute to the victims whose courage in coming forward ultimately led to Girling being brought to justice.
The investigation began in August 2023 when a male patient reported deeply concerning behaviour during a consultation with Girling, who was then practising as a sexual health doctor in Bournemouth. During what was supposed to be a medical examination, the patient noticed that Girling appeared to be recording him on a mobile phone.
In an act described by officers as remarkably brave, the patient took hold of the doctor’s phone. Girling fled the scene but was quickly located nearby after officers were called. When spoken to by police, the victim further disclosed that he had been touched inappropriately during the appointment.
What began as a single allegation soon widened into a far more disturbing picture.
As detectives examined digital devices belonging to Girling, they uncovered evidence of additional offences. Two more patients were identified as having been sexually assaulted, one of whom had also been recorded without their knowledge or consent during an intimate examination.
Further analysis of the devices revealed covert recordings taken in a residential bathroom, involving as yet unidentified victims. Officers also discovered indecent images of children in Girling’s possession, compounding the gravity of the case.
At trial, Girling was convicted of three counts of sexual assault, six charges of voyeurism and one charge of attempted voyeurism. He later entered guilty pleas to three offences of possessing indecent images of children.
On Thursday 5 March 2026, Girling returned to court and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Detective Constable Kit Little, of Dorset Police, described Girling’s actions as a profound betrayal of trust.
“Timothy Girling was in a position of trust as a sexual health doctor and exploited this by inappropriately touching and making recordings of his victims,” he said.
“We have worked tirelessly since the initial report was first made in August 2023 to investigate Girling’s offending, identify further victims where possible and bring him to justice.
“This would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the victims, who supported our investigation and the court process to ensure Girling was ultimately held to account.
“I want to thank them as well as the health services involved who have supported our comprehensive investigation.”
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider healthcare sector. Sexual health appointments, by their nature, often involve intimate examinations and discussions. Patients must be able to trust that their doctor will act with professionalism, integrity and care. In this case, prosecutors said, Girling exploited precisely that vulnerability.
Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said Girling’s offending was calculated and carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice.
“A doctor’s duty is to care for patients, not exploit them, and Timothy Girling repeatedly violated that fundamental trust,” she said.
“These sexual offences, carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice, were deeply calculated.
“He manipulated vulnerable individuals and exploited them in clinical sittings – a place where they should feel safe and secure.
“In court, we showed how he used his professional position to facilitate this offending and secretly record intimate examinations.
“We hope these convictions demonstrate that such abuse of authority will be robustly prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
The court heard that the recordings were made without patients’ knowledge and that Girling’s actions were a clear abuse of his professional standing. The discovery of covert bathroom footage and indecent images of children further underscored the seriousness of the offending and the risks he posed.
For investigators, the case highlights the importance of victims speaking out, even in circumstances that may feel confusing or intimidating.
The initial report in August 2023 proved pivotal. Without that first patient’s quick thinking in seizing the phone and reporting his concerns, Girling’s behaviour may have continued unchecked. Police have acknowledged that it can be especially difficult for victims of abuse by professionals to come forward, given the inherent power imbalance and the trust placed in medical practitioners.
Health services have also moved to reassure former patients. Dorset HealthCare has established a dedicated phone line — 01305 363075 — for anyone who was treated by Dr. Girling and wishes to raise concerns or access support. Officials have urged anyone affected, whether or not they have previously spoken to police, to make contact.
Support services remain available for victims of sexual offences, and authorities have emphasised that reports can be made at any time.
While the six-year prison sentence marks the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, for those affected the impact of Girling’s actions may endure far longer. The case serves as a stark reminder that professional titles and clinical settings do not place individuals beyond scrutiny — and that abuses of trust within such environments will be pursued and prosecuted.
Above all, detectives say, the outcome stands as a testament to the bravery of the victims who refused to stay silent. Their willingness to come forward not only secured justice in this case but also may have prevented further harm.
