A doctor who allegedly deposited his semen in a cup of tea and gave it to a woman to drink has been arraigned in court.
The 54 years old doctor identified as Dr Nicholas John Chapman, has also been suspended from his post at the 4,000-patient North Curry Health Centre.
He denies the allegation and has been given a chance to defend himself in court.
The details of the case against the doctor were outlined during a hearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court in Somerset, England.
Dr Chapman is charged with attempting to cause a woman aged 16 or over to engage in sexual activity without consent.
Prosecutor Giles Tippett said that the victim discovered a substance at the bottom of her cup once she had finished the drink given to her by the defendant.
Mr Tippett said the incident was reported to the police three days later and a laboratory test confirmed the substance was “semen that related to the doctor”.
Nigel Yeo, defending, said his client’s response to the charge is “a straightforward denial”.
South African born Dr Chapman qualified as a doctor at the University of Cape Town in 1993.
He was given the chance to defend himself at the trial in the magistrates’ court.
He elected to be tried in front of a judge and jury at Taunton Crown Court. He will face a plea and trial preparation hearing on Monday, February 21.
Dr Chapman was released on conditional bail, including an order not to contact any named witnesses, by chairman of the beach Valerie Castell.
Nigel Yeo said “all his community ties” are in the UK, where he lives with his partner and part time with a child.