Embryologist hid debts from wife

Mr Fielding earned £50 for each surgical procedure

An embryologist accused of inserting fake embryos into women as a scam to pay off debts hid his financial troubles from his wife, a court heard.

Paul Fielding is alleged to have allowed eight women to undergo unnecessary operations as he was paid £50 for each surgical procedure.

Mr Fielding admitted that he had debts of between £25,000 and £30,000, accrued through DIY work on his home and a £14,500 car loan.

Asked by defence barrister Susan Edwards QC if his wife knew of the debts he said: "I didn't discuss financial matters. She didn't like the idea of discussing money in any shape or form."

Embryologist Paul Fielding denies fraud and assault

Giving evidence Mr Fielding, 44, from Whitchurch, Hampshire, said he hid demanding letters from loan and credit card companies in his office.

Mr Fielding told the court on Tuesday there was no truth in the allegations that he had deliberately inserted fake embryos for financial gain.

It is said the gynaecologist would have been unaware that the microscopic embryos were absent during the procedure.

He denies all 11 charges relating to his work at the private North Hampshire Fertility Centre and the NHS-run Hampshire Clinic, both in Basingstoke, between 1997 and 1999.

He faces three charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and eight of false accounting to obtain money by deception.

The trial continues.