Rape claims ‘stupid’

Doctor charged with assaulting patients over four decades

A MELBOURNE doctor charged with raping patients over four decades has slammed the allegations as “stupid” as more charges are set to be laid.

Police allege Con Kyriacou, 75, first assaulted a patient in 1978 and continued to offend for at least the next 24 years.

In total Kyriacou is charged with more than 30 counts of indecently assaulting or sexually penetrating 15 patients without their consent.

It is alleged one victim was just 16.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard yesterday the number of alleged victims could grow, with a fresh investigation under way after a further complainant came forward.

Kyriacou could now face further charges.

He said nothing during his brief appearance in court but smiled and laughed as he left court, saying: “the whole thing is stupid”.

The Balwyn North man surrendered his registration to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in August last year and has since been unable to practise as a doctor.

Despite this, AHPRA is pursuing an action against Kyriacou before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where it will allege he “engaged in professional misconduct”.

VCAT has the power to suspend or cancel a practitioner’s registration.

Following charges being laid an AHPRA spokeswoman said allegations were first raised about the conduct of Kyriacou in February and August, 2016. The agency recently received new complaints from further patients, which it is now investigating and has referred to Victoria Police.

“We are taking seriously the allegations raised by patients about the conduct of Dr Kyriacou,” the spokeswoman said.

Kyriacou remains on bail until his next court appearance on May 17.