Doctor 'groped' female patients

A retired doctor has appeared in court accused of groping his female patients while making sexual remarks.

Dr Carlos Azurdia is accused of indecently assaulting 12 women at his practice in Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside.

The 65-year-old denies the allegations, which are spread over 30 years from 1971.

The alleged assaults took place when Dr Azurdia was carrying out intimate examinations which were not medically necessary, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

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Heather Lloyd, prosecuting, said: "The doctor used his position of authority and trust for his own sexual gratification."

The incidents are said to have taken place at the Bebington Health Centre, later known as the Civic Medical Centre.

Merseyside Police began an investigation after a 20-year-old woman complained that the doctor had touched her breast in May 2001.

Miss Lloyd said another woman then came forward and, after the resulting publicity, 10 more women, who were not connected, gave police similar stories.

The case continues.