Doctor denies sexual assault of student

A DOCTOR who denies grabbing a student between the legs in a city centre bar told a court: “Why would I do something ridiculous like that, I’m a medical professional and this is something that would destroy my future.”

Dr Eoghan Gallagher is alleged to have sexually assaulted the university student as she walked past him in Floritas, on Collingwood Street, in Newcastle. But he insisted he did not deliberately touch her and said if there was any contact at all, it was accidental.

Giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court, Dr Gallagher said he was in Newcastle on a trip from Ireland with his friend at the time of the alleged offence, last March.

He said it was busy and people were standing shoulder to shoulder and jostling for position. Dr Gallagher said he remembered a young woman approaching his left hand side as he turned and said she attempted to pass between him and his friend.

Dr Gallagher, 34, of Cartur Mor, Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra, Galway, Ireland, denies sexual assault. The trial continues.