Doctor accused of filming woman with hidden mobile phone during examination

GP Thair Altaii is said to have used a hidden mobile phone to make a video of a woman during an appointment at a surgery in Sunderland.

It is claimed that the victim was being recorded during an examination on her lower back and legs and that Altaii planned to use the footage for his sexual gratification, which he denies.

The 53-year-old, of White Rocks Grove, Whitburn, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he entered a not guilty plea to a single charge of voyeurism.

Prosecutor Christopher Rose told the court: "The crown say there was no justification for recording it, or at least recording it without her knowledge."

The court heard the patient shown in the video, which was later found on Altaii's computer, has been shown the footage and confirmed that she is the person featured on it.

Altaii, who has been suspended by the General Medical Council until the case against him is concluded, will be tried by a jury on September 18 next year.

Judge Edward Bindloss granted him unconditional bail in the meantime.

The judge told him: "You have pleaded not guilty.

"The next stage in your case is likely to be the trial, which will take place on September 18."

Altaii's case will be back on court on March 13 for a pre-trial hearing, which the doctor does not have to attend.