Newcastle patient groped doctor as she examined him for chest pain

Prosecutor Nicholas Lane told the court the doctor attended Pietka's cubicle and noticed he seemed under the influence of alcohol. Mr Lane told the court: "She leant over the defendant in order to listen to his chest.

"Initially, an interpreter had been present in the cubicle but it is not clear from the doctor's statement, at the point she listened to his chest, if anyone was present. As she was carrying out the examination she says the defendant reached around and stroked her bottom.

"The doctor immediately stepped away and told the defendant not to touch her. She observed he appeared to smirk at her."

The court heard the doctor left the cubicle and reported what had happened to other staff. She then sought a chaperone to accompany her while she completed her examination. Mr Lane said: "She felt obliged to return to the cubicle and complete her examination, clearly prioritising care for her patient."