Gynaecologist guilty of indecent assault

Paul Vinall was told his career had ended in "shame"

A consultant gynaecologist has been given an 18-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of indecently assaulting two of his patients.

Dr Paul Vinall, 55, was found guilty of the two charges at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday and cleared of three other charges.

A further 26 were ordered to remain on file.

The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who worked at various hospitals and private clinics in Yorkshire, had denied 31 counts of indecent assault on 22 patients between 1981 and 2000.

'Shame and humiliation'

As the verdicts were read out, Vinall sat with his head in his hands.

His daughter, who was sitting with his son in the public gallery, burst into tears.

The case has never been about suggesting that Paul Vinall wasn't a competent surgeon or doctor

Detective Chief Superintendent Grahame Bullock

The judge, Mr Justice Crane, told Vinall that his career has ended in "shame and humiliation".

He said that Vinall, of Asel Pasture, Leeds, had betrayed the absolute trust of his patients, embarrassing and humiliating at least two of them.

During the trial, the jury heard a series of allegations that Vinall had misused his position by touching women inappropriately "under the pretext of being necessary physical examinations."

The two guilty charges date back to 1991 and 1995 and occurred at private consulting rooms Vinall used across West Yorkshire.

Caring doctor

Both counts involved Vinall conducting "inappropriate" examinations on women.

The first involved a 48-year-old nurse and midwife and the second related to a 34-year-old woman.

Vinall has been suspended since July 2000, following the complaints to the NHS helpline by patients.

Nicola Davies QC, defending, said Vinall had treated tens of thousands of women over a 20-year career and the vast majority of his patients saw him as a highly competent and caring doctor.

"The particular tragedy of this is that for 20 years, Paul Vinall has given real commitment to so many patients.

"For such a man, the loss of his entire career will bring with it a real loss of self-worth."

Poor health

Vinall will automatically be struck off the General Medical Council for a minimum of five years, effectively meaning the end of his career.

Mr Justice Crane said because he had failed to plead guilty to any of the charges, Vinall had put the women through the embarrassment and humiliation of giving evidence.

But because of his poor health, both mentally and physically, he would suspend the sentence for two years.

Vinall was also ordered to pay £5,000 prosecution costs.

The guilty verdicts followed nine days of deliberation by the jury.

Afterwards, Vinall said the verdicts had been a "devastating blow".

"There is nothing more I can say other than to thank the many people including my family, friends, colleagues, patients and legal advisers who supported me at this difficult time."

'Pay tribute'

But Detective Chief Superintendent Grahame Bullock said the convictions represented a serious breach of trust.

"The case has never been about suggesting that Paul Vinall wasn't a competent surgeon or doctor.

"I would like to pay tribute to all of the ladies who came and gave their evidence and had the strength of character to do so.

"It is also very sad for Paul Vinall himself who has clearly disgraced himself and brought some disrepute to his chosen profession."

Mr Bullock described how a special team of female officers had been recruited to interview complainants and investigate allegations.

The judge praised the police operation saying it was "sensitive and painstaking".