A former GP has been found guilty of multiple indecent assaults against patients at a practice in Bracknell, following a month-long court case. 

Retired doctor Stephen Cox, 65 and of Stockton Mill, Shropshire, denied committing 16 indecent assaults on seven women while he was practising in the Ralph's Ride practice - now known as The Waterfield Practice - between 1988 and 1997.

The court case heard from women who said Dr Cox had used routine medical examination's for his "sexual gratification," in the words of prosecuting barrister Christopher Hewertson. 

Six of the verdicts were unanimous and a further six by a majority verdict.

The jury found him guilty of indecently assaulting one woman by placing several fingers inside her without wearing a protective glove, according to the testimony of the former patient. 

He was also found guilty of indecently assaulting one victim under the age of 14 when Dr Cox stroked her leg. 

Dr Cox had claimed he did not recall any of the patients and always denied the allegations, saying it was either a misunderstanding, an accident, or that his victims were not telling the truth.

Now the disgraced GP has been shown to be "a prolific and predatory sex offender" who hid behind "the mask of being a trusted doctor", according to investigating officer Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio.

The detective continued: “He has never displayed an ounce of remorse for what he had done, and has constantly denied any wrong-doing, this despite a number of women, none of whom know each other, coming forward to report what he had done to them.

“I would like to praise each and every one of his victims for coming forward and showing the bravery, not only to report the offences, but also to testify in court.

"Dr Stephen Cox’s victims had the courage to come forward to report these offences, and I am pleased that the jury carefully considered the evidence and came to what is absolutely the correct conclusion."

A jury was discharged in a previous trial, at the same court, when it failed to reach verdicts on seven counts of indecent assaults on women in March 2023.

Several of his victims came forward to complain about Cox's behaviour due to coverage of the earlier trial.

Now police are "keeping an open mind" as to the possibility that Cox has committed other offences during his career.

Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio said: “During his career, he also practiced in Burton-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Measham in Leicestershire, Wokingham, Ouse Valley in West Sussex, and Telford.

“I would encourage anybody who believe that they may have been a victim of Cox to come forward, contacting us on 101 or via our website, quoting ‘Operation Kurtosis’.

“You will be listened to and any information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Reports can be made via the police force's website or by calling 101, quoting reference ‘Operation Kurtosis’.

You can also report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.