A Somerset GP who placed his semen into a cup of coffee intended for a woman has been permanently struck off the medical register.
Dr Nicholas Chapman, aged 57, was found guilty in June 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual activity without consent. He received a 12-month community order and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.
Now, two years later, a Medical Practitioners Tribunal has ruled that Dr Chapman should be erased from the medical register, stating that reasonable members of the public would find his actions “deplorable” and would be “appalled” if he were allowed to continue practising medicine.
Pattern of Inappropriate Behaviour
The tribunal’s findings, published online, revealed that Dr Chapman also targeted a second woman, referred to as Ms A, over a period of several years. The panel heard that he showed her photos of naked women without consent, suggested she search for him on a dating app, and pinched her bottom during a hug—all of which he denied.
The panel concluded that these acts were unwanted, amounted to sexual harassment, and created a degrading environment for the victim.
During his 2023 trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the first woman involved—referred to as Ms B—described the coffee incident as “devious and cowardly”. She told the court she hoped to move on with her life but would always carry the emotional and psychological scars of what she endured.
Dr Chapman was also handed a 10-year restraining order, preventing any further contact with Ms B.
Lasting Damage to Trust
According to the BBC, a fellow doctor from the same practice provided testimony to the tribunal, noting that the impact of Dr Chapman’s actions on both the practice and wider public trust in the profession had been severe.
“There continue to be comments inside and outside of the practice like, ‘Oh we don’t talk about Dr Chapman’,” the colleague explained.
“Some patients are put off from attending, and others mistrust whether their visits will remain confidential.”
No Apology, No Remorse
In its final judgement, the tribunal panel noted that Dr Chapman had shown no evidence of apology or remorse for his behaviour. Though he accepted the conviction, he continued to protest his innocence throughout the proceedings.
“Dr Chapman had undermined and breached the trust and confidence of patients and the public in the medical profession,” the panel stated, concluding that he had brought the profession into disrepute.
The tribunal further remarked on his lack of insight, reflection, or effort to make amends. As such, the decision to permanently remove him from the medical register was deemed necessary to maintain public confidence in the profession.
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