February 2015
‘Gross betrayal’ – Prolific paedophile doctor guilty of raping young girls at Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Former children’s doctor Michael Salmon has been found guilty of raping and sexually abusing young female patients at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
The shamed former consultant paediatrician, now 80, was the first person to be charged under Operation Yewtree.
Salmon was convicted of two counts of rape and nine counts of indecent assault against six girls, aged 12 to 18 years at the time, between 1973 and 1988.
He had previously been jailed 25 years ago after pleading guilty in November 1990 to similar indecent assaults on young female patients as young as 12 years old.
The victims had all been referred to Salmon, who was a consultant paediatrician at various hospitals in the Aylesbury area.
The court heard how many of them had felt ‘uncomfortable’ when being examined by Salmon, but believed that he was trustworthy because he was a doctor.
In one case, he took a 16-year-old girl to his home and raped her.
Following the assault, he dropped her off at a bus stop to make her own way home.
Others reported having to kiss Salmon goodbye whenever they finished an appointment with him.
Four victims initially came forward and Salmon was arrested and charged in November 2013.
This was reported in the media and further victims came forward to help support these women.
Further charges were brought against Salmon in May 2014.
Investigator Emma Barlow, who was designated to the case, thanked all the witnesses for ‘having the courage to come forward, face their abuser and tell the court what happened to them many years ago when they were child patients’.
She said: “I would like to also thank the strength of the women who were the witnesses from an earlier conviction of Salmon in 1990.
“They gave evidence to the court this time for matters they thought had been put to rest 25 years ago.”
Det Sgt Malcolm Wheeler from the child abuse investigation unit said: “Salmon was a prolific sexual offender who abused his position of power in order for his own sexual gratification.
“As a consultant paediatrician, he preyed on young girls who had been referred to him for a variety of health issues.
“They trusted him, they believed him, because he was a doctor and they thought he was trustworthy.
“On a number of occasions, he carried out unnecessary internal examinations on young girls.
“Although they felt uncomfortable at this, they didn’t feel able to tell anyone because they believed the examinations must have been necessary.
“Some of the offences were committed while the child’s parent was just outside the room.
“They have had to live with his actions their entire lives and it is only because of their bravery that Salmon now faces a long time behind bars.
“He never admitted any of these offences and when asked about these offences, denied carrying out any internal examinations and claimed the victims were lying. “He was categorically shown to be lying over the last few weeks at Reading Crown Court.
“If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or know someone who has, then please get in touch with us.
“This conviction shows that even if the offences were committed decades ago, we will listen to you and we will do everything to make sure offenders are brought to justice.”
Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Thames and Chiltern said: “Michael Salmon has been convicted today of offences which are particularly shocking due to the abuse of his position as a doctor taking advantage of the female patients in his care.
“His crimes were extremely traumatic for his victims who should have expected his support rather than this gross betrayal of their trust.
“Michael Salmon used his status to molest these vulnerable young girls and women who felt unable to complain as he was a doctor, and many of whom only bravely came forward after seeing other cases in the media.
“I hope they now feel that justice has been done.”
Salmon, of Park Lane, Britford, Salisbury, was also cleared of one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault and two counts of using an instrument to procure an abortion.
