GP convicted of ‘truly horrific’ sexual abuse of patients over 15 years

A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after sexually abusing patients for 15 years while working as a GP.

Wayne Sefton Davis, 69, told one of his victims he “needed to teach her how to please her husband” and wanted to check if another woman was a “virgin” because he sexually assaulted her during a medical examination, Greater Police Manchester (GMP) said.

Police in Salford, Greater Manchester, launched an investigation in May 2020 after two women came forward to tell about Davis’ crime.

Davis, of no fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault after one of the women revealed to officers that she had been assaulted during a meeting in 2006, GMP said.

A second victim came forward to reveal a similar experience with Davis after a press release was issued regarding Davis’ arrest following his arrest.

Following a two-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in December 2024, Davis was unanimously found guilty of a number of sexual offenses, including one count of sexual assault by penetration and one count of indecent assault, GMP said.

According to the police, on Monday he was sentenced to eight years in prison and entered into the register of sex offenders kept by the same court for life.

Detective Sergeant Charlotte Sullivan thanked victims and survivors for their courage in speaking out about their experiences after the “long and distressing process they have had to endure”.

She said: “Davis’ actions are truly appalling and shocking. He had power and used it for his own sexual gratification.

“His actions demonstrate a complete abuse of trust and power. He took advantage of women when they needed reassurance.

“He knowingly failed to follow GP guidance on carers and sexually assaulted single women in his workplace with no regard for their welfare. They asked him for advice as a family doctor on personal and private matters.”

Ms Sullivan said such incidents were extremely rare but GMP “continues to work closely” with medical practices, local trusts, staff, local authorities and support organizations.