Doctor anxious of men after patient groped her

Artur Pietka admitted sexually assaulting a female doctor (file photo)

A doctor is anxious of treating male patients alone after a man groped her during an examination, a court has heard.

Artur Pietka, 45, smirked after stroking the bottom of a female hospital doctor as she checked his complaints of chest pain, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Despite being upset by his actions, the doctor continued to treat him, "clearly prioritising [Pietka's] care", prosecutor Nicholas Lane said.

Polish national Pietka admitted sexual assault and was jailed for 20 weeks, although he will be released immediately as he has spent three months in HMP Leeds awaiting sentencing.

Pietka went to a hospital in north-east England in May 2022, complaining of chest pains, the court heard.

A female doctor was allocated to him and noticed he was drunk, but continued to examine him, Mr Lane said.

As she leant over while checking his chest, she felt Pietka grope her, the court heard.

She told him not to touch her and saw him smirking, Mr Lane said.

'Extremely ashamed and sorry'

The doctor immediately reported the incident but then returned with a chaperone to complete her assessment of Pietka.

In a statement, the doctor said it was an "inherent part" of her work that she be alone with patients and as a result of Pietka's actions she now felt "upset and anxious" being on her own with men.

In mitigation, Brian Mark said Pietka was "extremely ashamed" of his behaviour and was "deeply sorry", offering his apologies to the doctor.

Judge Penelope Moreland said the doctor was attempting to offer care and Pietka had "absolutely no right" to touch her.

The court heard it took seven months for Pietka, of Brancepeth Avenue in Newcastle, to be arrested and he was remanded in custody in October 2024 after missing court appointments.

His sentencing was further delayed on several occasions due to a lack of Polish interpreters, the court heard.