ALAN TUTIN: GUILDFORD AND TONBRIDGE GP SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the medical community and the local communities of Guildford and Tonbridge, Alan Tutin, a 71-year-old general practitioner, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than two decades. The court proceedings, which culminated in a nine-week trial at the Old Bailey, have uncovered a disturbing pattern of misconduct involving the doctor’s abuse of trust and position of authority.

Between 1980 and late 2004, Tutin, who practiced at the Merrow Park Practice in Guildford, Surrey, engaged in inappropriate and sexually motivated conduct during what were supposed to be routine medical examinations. The court heard that he often used the guise of breast or vaginal examinations to molest his patients, some as young as 12 years old. Witnesses described instances where Tutin squeezed a patient’s breasts in a manner reminiscent of a comedic Benny Hill sketch, as if they were mere objects like melons, rather than human beings deserving respect and dignity.

Alarmingly, the court was told that Tutin’s inappropriate behavior extended to examinations conducted for unrelated medical conditions, including head colds and appendicitis. His actions were characterized by a pattern of groping and inappropriate touching, which left many victims feeling humiliated, embarrassed, and violated. The court heard testimonies from numerous women and girls, some of whom were teenagers at the time, describing how Tutin’s conduct made them feel mortified and ashamed.

Despite multiple allegations dating back to 1999, Tutin was initially cleared of sex attacks in two separate trials. In 2003, he faced another accusation of sexual assault from a different woman, but the General Medical Council (GMC) chose not to pursue further disciplinary action, instead issuing him a warning letter about the importance of chaperones during examinations with female patients. However, a subsequent investigation in 2013, prompted by new complaints and letters sent to thousands of former patients, led to a more thorough examination of his conduct.

Following this investigation, Tutin was convicted on 15 counts of indecent assault, with victims as young as 15. The conviction came after a comprehensive nine-week trial at the Old Bailey. He was acquitted of seven other charges and cleared of three additional allegations in a retrial at Blackfriars Crown Court. The GMC had previously struck him off the medical register in 2009 for abusing five patients for his own sexual gratification.

Throughout the trial, Tutin maintained his innocence, asserting, “I have always tried to do my best for patients throughout my career.” His wife, Angela, who was also a GP at the same practice, described the toll the allegations had taken on him, stating that he felt “suicidal” and that his self-esteem had plummeted. She expressed her distress over the impact on their family life, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to medicine and his desire to be a thorough and caring doctor.

The prosecution, led by Sally O’Neill QC, painted a picture of a man wielding significant influence within the practice, with a personality described as dominant, arrogant, and brusque. She highlighted that Tutin’s approach to patient care was often old-fashioned, lacking proper explanations and transparency, which may have contributed to his sense of being untouchable. The court was shown evidence of numerous victims, including a midwife, an air hostess, and young women, all recounting their experiences of inappropriate groping and sexual misconduct during examinations.

One victim, a woman who was 17 between 1981 and 1983, described how Tutin used both hands to rub her breasts during a routine appointment for the pill, calling it “uncomfortable, creepy, horrible.” Another woman, a midwife, recounted feeling “dirty and violated” after Tutin made inappropriate comments and told her to “get her kit off” during a medical examination in the mid-1980s. Multiple victims, some as young as 12, detailed how Tutin’s conduct left them feeling humiliated and betrayed.

In 1995 or 1996, Tutin was accused of abusing a 26-year-old woman during a vaginal examination, and another woman described how he “panted” as he groped her inside her bra, then proceeded to rub her vagina. The court also heard about an incident where he squeezed a patient’s breasts in a manner reminiscent of a comedy sketch, and an air hostess reported being groped during a contraceptive pill appointment in 1999.

Defense counsel Louise Sweet QC argued that the recent investigation was influenced by “publicity and intense gossip,” suggesting that the allegations were misunderstandings or misremembered incidents. She urged the jury to consider that “there’s no smoke without fire,” but also to recognize that Tutin’s reputation had been unfairly tarnished by the media and prior accusations.

Sentencing is scheduled for this Friday at the Old Bailey, where Tutin will face the consequences of his actions. He remains remanded in custody, and two additional allegations of indecent assault have been ordered to lie on file. His wife’s emotional testimony highlighted the devastating impact of the allegations on his mental health, describing him as feeling “suicidal” and deeply depressed.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Haycock, who led the investigation, expressed his condemnation of Tutin’s conduct, emphasizing the breach of trust and the importance of victims coming forward. He praised the courage of those who testified and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to pursuing justice, regardless of how much time had passed since the offenses occurred. Haycock noted that the investigation spanned over five years and involved a dedicated team of officers committed to uncovering the full extent of Tutin’s misconduct.

As the case concludes, the community and the victims await the final sentencing, hoping that justice will bring some measure of closure after years of suffering and betrayal by someone they once trusted with their health and well-being.