Somerset Doctor handed 12 month community order for sexual offence
Dr Nicholas Chapman from Taunton was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activity without consent following a trial in Gloucester
A Somerset doctor has been given a 12-month community order after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity without consent.
Be aware, you may find some of the details below distressing
Dr Nicolas Chapman (55) from Taunton, was tried at Gloucester Crown Court having been accused of repeatedly adding his seamen to hot drinks he made for a woman, in 2021.
Having denied the offence he was found guilty of one count but acquitted of another similar charge.
He will now be forced to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
Addressing Dr Chapman during his sentencing his Honour Judge Rupert Lowe said: “Mr Chapman, you are an intelligent professional of previous good character with good references.
"However, people did not know what you did in private.
"Your defence at trial was absurd and unnecessary.
"Your claims were implausible and contradictory."
Dr Chapman had claimed the seamen had got into drinks from his hands by accident, saying he had masturbated at work.
"You then shifted your story about testing for a medical condition," the judge said.
“The truth is, you masturbated at work as you had a high sex drive.
"The impact on your career and personal life has been considerable.
"You have brought that on yourself.”
On top of the community order Chapman will be subject to a restraining order for 10 years preventing him from contacting the victim.
He will also have to pay court costs of £3,500.
During the trial, the court heard that after becoming suspicious of Chapman, the woman kept a sample of one drink he made.
She reported the incidents to the police in September 2021 and, when tested, the sample was confirmed to include semen with a DNA match to the doctor.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, gave a victim impact statement to the court following the conviction.
In it she said: “I feel betrayed by him, by his actions.
"He has made me feel powerless.
"The devious and cowardly nature has shocked me.
"If this was a physical attack I may have at least had a chance to defend myself.
"I’ve had to be open about this to my partner and family, but I often feel alone and that no one quite understands.
“I hope in the future I am able to put this all behind me and move on with my life.
"Though I have to accept that the mental and emotional trauma I have suffered throughout this will always remain with me in some way.”
Detective Sergeant Rachel Walls, one of the investigation team, said: “This has been a long process for the victim.
"Despite the negative effect of the offence on her wellbeing she has bravely supported our investigation throughout.
"I hope that the sentence imposed by the court today will help her start to recover.”
If you have been impacted by this story or are a survivor of sexual abuse yourself, you can access support via this link.