Barend Delport

Barend Delport, a 55-year-old general practitioner from Tunbridge Wells, has been struck off the medical register following a series of serious sexual offences committed against his patients. Delport, who operated at the Oaks Surgery in Swanley, Kent, admitted to 26 offences at Maidstone Crown Court, leading to a six-year custodial sentence in September 2013.

The offences involved Delport sexually assaulting patients and capturing more than 800 intimate photographs of them without consent. His victims ranged in age from as young as 18 months to 60 years old, highlighting the profound breach of trust in his professional role. Delport pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing indecent images of children, five counts of making indecent images of children, and 12 counts of taking indecent images of children. Following his initial court hearing, another victim came forward, prompting Delport to admit two further counts of indecent assault.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) convened to assess Delport's fitness to practise after his conviction. The tribunal panel determined that erasure from the register was the only proportionate sanction, stating: "Sexual misconduct seriously undermines public trust in the medical profession." They further emphasised the gravity of his actions: "In this case Dr Delport's conviction of a number of offences, including sexual assault and the making and possessing of indecent photographs of children, is particularly serious." The panel concluded that suspension would be insufficient and that his convictions were "fundamentally incompatible with his continuing registration as a medical practitioner."

Unless Delport appeals the decision, his name will be erased from the register 28 days after written notice is served. The case was investigated by Kent Police, with incidents occurring at the Oaks Surgery. Related coverage includes reports from 2 August 2013 on Delport taking pictures of child patients and the sentencing announcement on 9 September 2013. This scandal has severely damaged public confidence in healthcare professionals, underscoring the need for stringent oversight in medical practices.