Peterborough GP jailed for sex with vulnerable patient

Dr Francis Bailey, 63, has been jailed for more than two years

A GP has been jailed for abusing his position by having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient.

Dr Francis Bailey, 63, of Townsend Close in Peterborough, pursued the woman after she had been discharged as an inpatient from a psychiatric unit.

He saw the woman a number of times as a patient before embarking on a five-month sexual relationship in 2021.

Bailey admitted three counts and was jailed for two years and two months at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday.

Cambridgeshire Police said Bailey, who qualified as a GP 20 years ago, first met the woman when he conducted a welfare check after she was released from the inpatient unit.

A couple of weeks later, in December 2021, the victim, who had a history of poor mental health, attended a consultation with Bailey at Park Medical Centre in Peterborough.

He prescribed medication including anti-depressants, gave her his personal number, and said if she needed him to help her she should call.

Shortly after the victim messaged to say she felt suicidal so Bailey picked her up and they went for a drive while he advised her what to do.

After dropping the victim off, Bailey gave her a hug and, the following day, they met again and embarked on a five-month sexual relationship while he continued to prescribe her medication.

He was caught out when a friend of his spotted some messages between him and the victim on his phone.

He confronted the GP but while Bailey admitted to having a relationship with the patient he claimed the woman had been blackmailing him.

The following month police were alerted and Bailey was arrested at his home in June 2022.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of a care worker engaging in sexual activity with a mentally disordered female and was sentenced to 26 months in jail.

He was also given a 10-year restraining order.

Det Con Helen Williams said: "Francis Bailey was a trusted doctor who took advantage of a very young, vulnerable woman. He abused his position of power for his own sexual gratification.

"I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward."