Praise for victims following detailed investigation into sexual health doctor
Detectives have praised the bravery of victims for coming forward and helping to bring a sexual health doctor to justice for sexual assault and voyeurism offences.
An investigation was launched by Dorset Police after an allegation was received in August 2023 in relation to Timothy Girling, who was a practising sexual health doctor in Bournemouth.
A male patient had reported that during an examination he noticed Girling recording on his mobile phone. The victim took the doctor’s phone and Girling fled the scene.
Officers attended and Girling was located nearby. The victim was also spoken to and further reported that he had been touched inappropriately.
Further investigations also identified two further patients who had been sexually assaulted, one of whom was also recorded.
An examination of the defendant’s digital devices uncovered further recordings, including covert ones from a residential bathroom, involving as yet unidentified victims as well as indecent images of children.
Following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Girling was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six charges of voyeurism and one of attempted voyeurism. He also subsequently entered guilty pleas to three offences of possessing indecent images of children.
Girling, aged 55 and of West Molesey in Surrey, returned to court on Thursday 5 March 2026 and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Detective Constable Kit Little, of Dorset Police, said: “Timothy Girling was in a position of trust as a sexual health doctor and exploited this by inappropriately touching and making recordings of his victims.
“We have worked tirelessly since the initial report was first made in August 2023 to investigate Girling’s offending, identify further victims where possible and bring him to justice.
“This would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the victims, who supported our investigation and the court process to ensure Girling was ultimately held to account.
“I want to thank them as well as the health services involved who have supported our comprehensive investigation.”
Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “A doctor’s duty is to care for patients, not exploit them, and Timothy Girling repeatedly violated that fundamental trust.
“These sexual offences, carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice, were deeply calculated.
“He manipulated vulnerable individuals and exploited them in clinical sittings – a place where they should feel safe and secure.
“In court, we showed how he used his professional position to facilitate this offending and secretly record intimate examinations.
“We hope these convictions demonstrate that such abuse of authority will be robustly prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
Dorset HealthCare has set up a dedicated phone number – 01305 363075 – for anyone who was treated by Dr Girling to contact them and discuss any concerns they have or access support if they need it.
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