A KENT doctor has admitted groping a female receptionist at his surgery.

Mohamed Bahgat Shar, who is appearing in front of the General Medical Council, is said to have touched his employee intimately three months after smacking her bottom at his surgery in Saddleton Road, Whitstable.

Dr Shar, who is registered at Jasmine House, Shepherds Walk, Chestfield, is also alleged to have touched a patient’s crotch a year earlier after she consulted him about a bowel problem and a foot injury.

He was the senior partner at the surgery at the time of the incidents in 1999 and 2000.

Dr Shar could be struck off if found guilty of serious professional misconduct, a charge he denies. He also denies his behaviour was “indecent and inappropriate” in respect of both women.

Dr Shar fought back the tears as he claimed a few minutes’ sexual foreplay with his receptionist had led to a five-year nightmare.

Ian Stern, for the GMC, said that on March 27, 2001, the receptionist, known as Mrs B, complained of a twinge in her right knee and that Dr Shar offered to examine her.

“He said they should go into the practice manager’s office,” said Mr Stern.

“They went in there and he came up behind her pressing her shoulders and side. As he reached her bra he moved his fingers across and they went inside her bra and touched her breasts and nipple.

“He moved his hand down inside her trousers and put his hand just inside her knickers, then pushed his hand right down and touched her under her trousers using his index finger.

“Also, at the same time, he grabbed her left breast outside her clothing.”

The shocked receptionist then bolted from the room as the doctor apologised.

Dr Shar told the hearing that the receptionist had been flirtatious with him and wanted to be “favoured” by having an affair with the boss.

Dr Shar said that she had asked him to look at bruise on his leg by lifting her skirt.

He said: “I remember saying, 'If you had problems with your pelvis it could Turn to page 3

Dr Shar said that she laid on the floor and that he attempted to examine her.

“She was lying there very joyful. To me she was provocative,’ he said.

“Unfortunately, I put my hand on her side.

“As my hand went up she lifted the blouse and part of the bra as if I was to examine her. Unfortunately, it’s something I’m not very proud of, but I put my hand up the bra and touched the whole of her breast.

“I found myself unfortunately coming behind her. I put my hands on her top and touched both her breasts.”

'“This has been my nightmare for five years.”

He added: “I got aroused. I was stupid to say the least.”

The GMC also heard how a year before a 27-year-old patient, known as Ms A, had consulted Dr Shar to arrange counselling after her estranged husband had tried to commit suicide.

She returned in December 1999, complaining of bowel problems and a foot injury after a netball match. Ms A, who was wearing a G-string at the time under her trousers, said: “I lifted my top and undid my trousers.

“I laid on the couch, on my back. He pressed my stomach a little bit, then he took my knickers, pulled them out from my stomach and then down about four inches.

“His hand was at the top of my thigh with his elbow on my knee.

“His hands pushed against my crotch. He did it once and I thought it was a mistake.

“Then he did it again.”

She told the hearing that she said she was not comfortable and pushed his hand away.

The doctor denies serious professional misconduct and the hearing continues.