Police: Predatory doctor may have sexually abused women in Wolverhampton and Telford

Dr. Stephen Cox, 65, of Stockton Mill, Shropshire, near Welshpool, was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault following a four-week trial at Reading Crown Court which ended on Friday.

Six of the verdicts were unanimous and another six were by majority vote. He was acquitted of four additional counts of indecent assault.

When Cox returned to the same court on Monday, he was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison.

Cox was a GP in Bracknell, Berkshire, in the 1980s and 1990s and practiced at the Ralphs Rides practice, now known as the Waterfield Practice.

But he had also practiced in Telford, Wolverhampton, Burton-on-Trent, Measham, Wokingham and East Sussex and police fear there could be more victims in the areas where he worked.

Thames Valley Police said Cox had indecently assaulted seven of his patients over several years under the guise of carrying out routine medical examinations. All of his victims were women.

The offenses occurred before the widespread use of computerized medical records, meaning police investigations focused on recovering old-fashioned handwritten GP certificates.

These notes played an important role in determining the periods in which Dr. Cox had targeted his victims.

Cox had always denied the crimes and claimed he could not remember any of the patients.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio said: “Cox’s victims believed he was a trusted GP, someone they could confide in and turn to when they needed help most.

“But it has now emerged that Cox is a predatory and prolific sex offender.

“He committed his crimes in full view, but under the guise of being a trustworthy family doctor.

“He completely betrayed his profession, his colleagues and his patients with a pattern of behavior that should not be underestimated.

“Cox targeted the most vulnerable women, those who came to him for help in their hour of need.

“But instead of helping his patients, he vilely betrayed them under the guise of conducting medical examinations.

“For decades, Cox’s victims have endured pain and suffering because they believe he got away with his crimes.

“He didn’t do it. He has now been exposed as a prolific sex offender and is now facing years in prison where he belongs.

“I have nothing but admiration and praise for all of Cox’s victims.

“They endured lengthy investigations and many of his victims endured two trials and cross-examination in which every aspect of their interactions with Cox was scrutinized.

“I hope this conviction and sentence will provide his victims with the comfort of some closure.

“Cox practiced medicine across the UK throughout his long career.

“We are open to the possibility that he may have committed further offences.

“During his career, Cox practiced in Burton-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Measham in Leicestershire, Wokingham, Ouse Valley in West Sussex and in Telford.

“It is possible that there are other victims who have not yet come forward.

“It’s never too late for that.

“You can contact Thames Valley Police on 101 at any time to speak to our officers.

“You can do this quoting Operation Kurtosis or calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“You can also email a dedicated inbox for this investigation: [email protected]

“We also work with the charity Survivors’ Trust who can be contacted on 08088 010818 or on the website www.thesurvivorstrust.org

“We have dedicated officers who specialize in investigating sexual crimes.