Former GP denies indecent assault in Tasmanian court
A patient allegedly faced assault twice during medical exams in 2004-05. He was 18 or 19 years old at the time.
A retired Tasmanian doctor named Michael Anthony Welch has pleaded not guilty to three indecent assault charges. The hearing at Hobart Magistrates Court finished on Friday.
A patient testified that he was touched inappropriately during a sexual health check in late 2004 or early 2005. The patient said he was too frightened to report it at the time.
Welch worked as a GP from 1984 until he retired in 2019. He denies all the charges and told the court the examination was done properly.
He was brought from NSW last year to face the charges. Magistrate Jackie Hartnett will deliver her findings in December.
Why it mattersThe outcome will affect how doctors are regulated and how patients stay safe in Australian healthcare.
AustraliaThe case is being heard in Tasmania and involves a patient in Hobart, raising questions about complaint procedures and doctor accountability in Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 49 min ago
Open this story in InSnip →
