Doctor facing rape charge granted bail

POLICE have completed their brief of evidence against a Townsville doctor who allegedly raped a woman inside a consultation room of a medical centre.

The doctor, who cannot be named at this time for legal reasons, is charged with 24 offences including eight counts of rape, assaults occasioning bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

The doctor had been held in custody since his arrest on March 24 but was granted Supreme Court bail on Tuesday on strict conditions which included banning him from the Townsville region for any purpose other than to attend court.

Potts Lawyers solicitor Mark Williams appeared on behalf of the doctor, via telephone, at Townsville Magistrates Court.

The matter had been listed for a bail application which was no longer required as he had been granted bail by a higher court.

However, Mr Williams took the opportunity to advise Magistrate Cathy Wadley that the police had earlier advised his law firm that the brief of evidence against the doctor had been completed and was now available to the defence.

One of the rape charges relates to an incident in 2012 where it will be alleged the doctor inserted his fingers into a woman’s vagina at a Townsville medical centre.

The other seven rape charges stem from complaints from another woman.

It will also be alleged the doctor attempted to intimidate a witness into withdrawing a complaint against him.

Magistrate Wadley adjourned the matter to later this month.