A hospital anaesthetist appeared before magistrates in Canterbury today, Friday, charged with sexually assaulting three women.

Dr Senthil Gopalakrishnan, who is currently suspended from his job at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, is accused of eight offences between August 2010 and April 2011 .

Dr Gopalakrishnan, 41, of Bingley Court, Canterbury, withheld his plea and the case was adjourned until May 25 when he is expected to be committed to the Crown Court for trial.

He was remanded on unconditional bail.