Dr Robert Russell

A Hampshire-based veterinary surgeon, Dr Robert Russell, has been removed from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Register following convictions for serious sexual offences involving indecent images of children and extreme animal abuse. The decision was made by the RCVS Disciplinary Committee after Dr Russell was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court in 2023 for these grave crimes.

The case stems from Dr Russell's guilty pleas to three key offences: making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, possessing 2,280 prohibited images of a child, and possessing 109 extreme pornographic images, including moving images that were grossly offensive and portrayed sexual acts with animals. These activities involved internet searches and behaviour conducted over a prolonged period, as noted by the court. The convictions occurred at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, with sentencing handed down at Winchester Crown Court. The judge, during sentencing, remarked that Dr Russell, a man in his 60s with no prior convictions, could no longer claim good character, attributing the offences to his own actions.

Dr Russell received a two-year community order, which included a 30-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, the court issued a forfeiture and destruction order for electronic devices seized, including a Seagate Drive, Toshiba hard drive, and Lenovo tablet. He was required to register as a sex offender with the police for five years and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration. Financial penalties included £425 in prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

• Aggravating factors highlighted by the RCVS Committee included indirect injury to children and animals, risk of harm to vulnerable individuals, premeditated sexual misconduct, and the involvement of children and animals in the offences.
• Mitigating factors were considered, but the Committee deemed the behaviour 'fundamentally incompatible' with professional practice.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee hearing took place online on 12 and 13 March 2024, in Dr Russell's absence after he waived his right to attend. Chair Neil Slater stated: 'The Committee has reached the conclusion that Dr Russell’s behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with being a veterinary surgeon, namely grave offences of a sexual nature. Dr Russell’s behaviour was so serious that removal of professional status and the rights and privileges accorded to that status is considered to be the only means of protecting the wider public interest and of maintaining confidence in the profession.' The Committee described the conduct as 'so inherently deplorable and shocking' and noted a lack of insight from Dr Russell into the gravity of his actions. This removal protects public confidence in the veterinary profession, prioritising its reputation over individual interests.

Source: RCVS official news release, 25 March 2024, detailing the Disciplinary Committee hearing and court outcomes. Full documentation available on the RCVS Disciplinary hearing webpage. Dr Russell has 28 days from notification to appeal to the Privy Council.