SEX CLAIMS
Physio suspended
AN osteopath is being investigated by police over allegations he sexually assaulted one of his patients.
Michael Hammond, who ran the Anglesey Osteopathy Clinic in Benllech, was arrested over the claims and has now been suspended from his professional body “for the protection of the public”.
But he failed to attend a hearing into his conduct because he “couldn’t be bothered”, the Mail has learned.
Officers from North Wales Police wrote to the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) about their investigations and a meeting of its investigating committee was called. In September, the committee imposed an interim suspension order for two months.
James Buchanan, on behalf of the GOsC, said Hammond faced a “significant number of allegations that span across a number of areas of concern”.
The alleged conduct took place at Hammond’s osteopathic practice and was deemed “extremely serious and include allegations of sexual assault”.
Hammond was also accused of abusing his position of trust in relation to one patient, referred to as Patient A, and was in an “inappropriate sexual relationship” with another, known as Patient B.
It is understood police are writing to other patients as part of their probe.
The GOsC hearing was to assess whether there was a real risk to the public and whether an interim suspension order was necessary, not to determine the allegations or make an assessment of the evidence.
A report says he told the council he “couldn’t be bothered to attend such a meeting and was thinking of retiring in any event”.
The document states his actions involved two women who were being treated by him... “and he has not denied these allegations made by the council”.
It adds: “The committee is satisfied that there is a real risk of repetition and that, therefore, an interim suspension order is necessary for the protection of the public from that risk.”
The committee said they recognised there is an on-going criminal investigation by North Wales Police.
“The committee is aware this matter is unlikely to be completed within two months, however its powers are limited to the imposition of an interim suspension for a maximum of two months,” the report adds.
The order will be reviewed before it expires.
According to the Anglesey Osteopathy Clinic website, Hammond has been in the field for more than 20 years having gained a degree at Oxford Brookes University.
On his website, he states: “During my career as an osteopath, I have worked in many mutlidisciplinary clinics, including my own in Liverpool. I have also taught sports massage at Bedford College.
“Having been actively involved in sports, I played basketball, football, and squash at a high level, which enhanced my insight into the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuires.”
A police spokesman said: “On Wednesday August 30 2016, North Wales Police arrested an Anglesey man in his late 50s on suspicion of sexual assault committed on the island earlier this year. Following interview the man was bailed until later this year to allow detectives time to complete the investigation.”