Peterborough GP jailed after having sexual relationship with vulnerable patient

A GP who abused his position by striking up a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient has been jailed.

Dr Francis Bailey, 63, of Lyvelly Gardens, Peterborough, pursued the young woman after she had been discharged as an inpatient from a psychiatric unit.

On the day after she left the unit, Bailey and a colleague visited her at home for a welfare check.

A couple of weeks later the victim, who had a history of poor mental health, attended a consultation with Bailey.

He prescribed medication including anti-depressants, gave her his personal number, and said if she needed him to help her through this crisis point to call or message.

A couple of days later, the victim messaged the number as she felt suicidal, so Bailey picked her up and they went for a drive while he advised her what to do.

After dropping the victim off, Bailey gave her a hug and, the following day, they met again and embarked on a sexual relationship while he continued to prescribe her medication.

The offences came to light when Bailey, who qualified as a GP 20 years ago, was admitted to hospital and asked a friend to take him some of his belongings, including an old phone.

The friend saw some messages between him and the victim and after confronting him, Bailey admitted to having a relationship with the patient but tried to say she had been blackmailing him.

The following month, the police were alerted to what had been happening, and Bailey was arrested at his home.

Yesterday, (28 February) at Peterborough Crown Court, Bailey was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after previously pleading guilty to three counts of a care worker engaging in sexual activity with a mentally disordered female.He was also given a 10-year restraining order.

DC Helen Williams, who investigated, said: “Francis Bailey was a trusted doctor who took advantage of vulnerable woman. He abused his position of power for his own sexual gratification.

“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward.”