Patient Sexually Abused By Timothy Girling Speaks Out After Doctor Jailed

The man, who is in his 20s but cannot be named for legal reasons, was sexually assaulted by Timothy Girling during a sexual health appointment at a clinic in Bournemouth.

In January 2026, following a police investigation, Girling, then of West Molesey, Surrey, pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences. Girling, now aged 55, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his crimes.

The man has spoken for the first time about the impact the abuse has had on him.

After Girling was sentenced, the man, together with his legal team, has issued the following statements.

Tom Fletcher an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supports abuse survivors and who is representing the man, said: “Unfortunately, this is yet another terrible case where a seemingly well-respected person has abused their position of trust in the worst possible way for their own gratification.

“While he has now been sentenced, Girling’s abhorrent crimes continue to have a profound effect on his victims, who remain traumatised by what happened to them.

“While nothing can make up for what my client has been through, we’re determined to support him and help him access the specialist help he needs to try to move forward from this as best he can.

“This sentencing highlights that justice catches up with perpetrators. It’s important that others who have experienced sexual abuse feel able to report what happened, as help and support is out there.”

The man said: “Even though years have passed, it’s still incredibly difficult to talk about what happened and the impact it’s had on me.

“It’s also hard to express the emotions and anger I feel, not only for what was done to me but to others.

“I went into the clinic wanting care, and someone I trusted used that position to abuse me. Since then, I’ve had real difficulties trusting people and forming relationships, and I feel fearful of what could happen if I ever need medical treatment again.

“When I first reported Girling, I kept thinking I needed to do something to protect others. When the police told me that other survivors had come forward, it was a relief. For the first time, I felt heard and believed.

“Girling is now behind bars where he belongs, but I still live with the impact of what he did. My mental health has suffered badly. I tried to block out what happened, but I couldn’t, it stayed with me and affected my day to day life for years.

“Nothing can change the past, but I want to look towards a brighter future, and I hope that by sharing my experience, others feel able to report what happened to them.”

Girling was sentenced in connection with the three counts of sexual assault, six counts of voyeurism, one charge of attempted voyeurism and three counts of making indecent images of children.

Girling was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 5 March.

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