Child-abuser GP assaulted 13 policewomen

A GP convicted of child rape and sexual assault has further admitted a string of offences against female police officers.

Dr Hugh O’Neill is serving 12 years in jail for attacking two girls aged under 14, after being sentenced in January last year. He has now admitted indecently assaulting 13 female police officers while Norfolk Police’s medical adviser between 1991 and 2003.

O’Neill, 61, previously of Tasburgh, Norfolk, was a GP at Horsford Medical Centre in the county. He was also responsible for the health of Norfolk police staff including examining recruits.

Det Supt Kathryn Thacker, who led an inquiry, said: “It’s now clear O’Neill was a sexual predator who operated in plain sight for a number of years.

“These pleas follow a detailed and sensitive investigation which began in 2014. O’Neill was clearly a repeat offender who abused his position of power for his own gratification. It was in- credibly brave for the victims to come forward and speak to officers as his abuse has had a lasting effect on them all. We have, and will continue to, offer them a range of support as we would do with all victims of crime.”

Norfolk Police said that O’Neill had pleaded guilty to the new charges at Norwich Crown Court and would be sentenced next Monday.

He has been struck off the medical register and can no longer practise.