Victim of paedophile GP Dr Robin Borthwick slams GMC for not striking him off

THE victim of a paedophile West Berkshire GP has slammed a medical watchdog for failing to strike him from the register.

Last October a jury ruled that Dr Robin Borthwick had groomed and abused a boy in his bedroom, car and surgery.

Borthwick, who lives with his wife Helen in Southend Road, Bradfield Southend, was excused attendance at the trial because of his condition.

He was given an absolute discharge following the jury’s verdicts and his victim, who had wanted to look his abuser in the eye, was unable to do so.

Borthwick, pictured with his victim in the 1970s, was a respected GP with surgeries in Calcot, Bradfield, Pangbourne and Theale.

Despite the jury’s verdict he escaped punishment because of his advancing dementia.

His victim was also robbed of the chance to address the medic in court after three health professionals advised he was medically unfit to stand trial.

Now the victim, whose identity is protected, has blasted the General Medical Council (GMC) for failing to strike him off.

He told the Newbury Weekly News: “I think it’s nothing short of scandalous that a convicted paedophile GP should receive an absolute discharge from the criminal court and zero sanction from the medical body that is bound by law to maintain public confidence in the medical profession.

“Usually in cases of this seriousness the GMC will ‘fast track’ a tribunal and strike the doctor off regardless.

“In this case, although the facts in the case were proven in the criminal court, the GMC has decided they are unable to go down this route.”

He accused the GMC of “hiding behind its rules” and “failing to do the right thing”.

The NWN understands that the GMC has allowed Borthwick to voluntarily remove himself from the medical register, rather than strike him off.

The GMC said in a statement: “Our sympathies are with Dr Borthwick’s victim, and we acknowledge how distressing this must be for them.

“When dealing with cases involving such serious crimes as those committed by Dr Borthwick we would always seek for the matter to be aired at a public tribunal.

“Unfortunately the factors that meant Dr Borthwick was unable to participate in the criminal proceedings also apply to his ability to engage in the GMC’s fitness to practise proceedings.”

Following the trial, Borthwick’s victim, now in his 50s, released the following statement: “I was sexually abused by Robin Borthwick on multiple occasions between nine and 14 years of age.

“I kept this secret for over 35 years.

“The long term damage to my life has been profound.

“For as long as I can remember I have had suicidal thoughts.

“Being the victim of a paedophile is an unrelenting, constant battle for survival.

“Robin Borthwick took what he wanted from me, he sexually abused me for his own selfish gratification.

“I did exactly what I was told.

“I had no choice.

“In his confession to a witness he stated that he thought ‘I would enjoy it’.

“That is a chilling, repugnant statement.

“It has taken me many years to summon the courage to come forward.

“My motivation is to break the silence and tell the truth, and in so doing is a hope that I may give a voice to other victims of sexual offences.”

• IF you have been affected by sexual abuse, the Rape Crisis England and Wales support line is open, around the clock on 0808 500 2222. •

The Samaritans are available here: www.samaritans.org – call 116 123 – email jo@samaritans.org