Thursday 24 April 2008

No jail for doctor who raped patient

The District Court in Adelaide heard that in 1989, when Tori Barnes was 16, she was on a houseboat holiday at Renmark in the South Australian Riverland with family and friends.

A friend of her parents, who was also the family's GP, woke her and raped her twice.

It was not until 2001 that Ms Barnes reported it to police.

A jury found the doctor, now 58, guilty.

Judge Peter Herriman today said he was hesitant about suspending a two-year jail sentence.

He told the doctor his conduct was exploitative and disgraceful and there had been no sign of remorse.

Outside the court, Ms Barnes said she was disappointed at the suspension of the jail term but pleased that the six-year court process was over.

The name of the doctor has been supressed.

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