SWANLEY GP DR. BAREND DELPORT SENTENCED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION AND INDECENT IMAGES

In September 2013, the community of Swanley was shaken to its core as Dr. Barend Delport, a general practitioner practicing at The Oaks Surgery in Swanley, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of female patients, including very young children. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that spanned nearly a decade, exposing a grave breach of trust by a man who was supposed to care for and protect his patients.

Delport, a South African-born doctor aged 55 at the time, had managed to conceal his true intentions behind a facade of professionalism. His victims ranged from infants less than two years old to adult women, all of whom trusted him implicitly. The court heard that he had engaged in inappropriate and unnecessary medical examinations, during which he took indecent photographs of his patients without their consent. One particularly disturbing incident involved a young girl suffering from a stomach ache, who was subjected to an intimate examination and photographed without her mother’s permission. The mother later reported the incident, leading to Delport’s arrest.

Authorities uncovered a staggering collection of over 500,000 pornographic and voyeuristic images on Delport’s computer, including more than 5,500 indecent photographs of children. These images depicted abuse at various levels of severity, with the most serious categorized as level five. Among these were photographs of some of his young patients, which he claimed were for training, research, or educational purposes. However, investigators found that these justifications were false and unfounded. The images also included photographs of Delport’s own patients, some of whom he referred to as his “little girlfriend,” offering them money and sweets as part of his manipulative behavior.

Delport admitted to sexually abusing three children and three adult women. His offenses included five counts of sexual assault, one of indecent assault, and one of sexual activity with a girl under 16. He also pleaded guilty to 12 counts of taking indecent photographs of children, five counts of making indecent photographs, and two counts of possessing such images. The abuse occurred between 2003 and 2012, with victims ranging in age from 18 months to their 60s. One of the sexual assault victims was as young as 18 months, while another was in her 60s. The court was told that Delport’s motivation was primarily sexual gratification, which he sought through the act of photographing his victims rather than physical contact.

During the sentencing hearing, Delport requested that two additional offences of indecent assault from 2002 and a separate incident involving a fourth female adult be considered. He also denied three charges of misconduct in public office, but these were not pursued by the prosecution. Prosecutor Anthony Haycroft emphasized that, although taking photographs of adults was not explicitly illegal, the nature of Delport’s conduct was deeply troubling. He explained that the case represented a gross breach of trust, with Delport exploiting his medical position to commit these crimes. The court was informed that Delport’s actions only came to light after a young girl saw him suffering from a stomach ache and noticed inappropriate photographs taken during her examination. Her mother later identified the images on Delport’s computer, which also showed her hands and jewelry, confirming her identity.

Delport’s explanations for his actions included claims that the photographs were for training, documenting healing, or research purposes. He also falsely alleged that he was gathering evidence of poor care at Darent Valley Hospital. The court heard that one of his adult victims recounted how Delport had touched what she described as “the magic button” while taking her intimate photographs, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his misconduct.

Throughout the hearing, Delport sat with his head bowed, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. The courtroom was filled with members of the public, including victims and their families, who listened as the details of his offenses were laid bare. Judge Martin Joy sentenced Delport to a lengthy custodial term, emphasizing that the severity of his crimes warranted such a punishment. Delport was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was suspended by the General Medical Council, with expectations that he would be struck off the medical register following his sentencing.

In August 2013, prior to his sentencing, Delport had already admitted to a series of sexual offenses, including the sexual assault of three girls aged 14, four, and 18 months, as well as three women. His crimes at Swanley’s Oaks Surgery, which spanned from 2003 to 2012, had shocked the local community and the medical profession alike. Friends and members of his church community expressed their disbelief and outrage, describing him as a respected figure who had betrayed their trust. Delport’s actions not only caused immense harm to his victims but also tarnished his reputation as a healthcare professional and community leader. He had earned more than £100,000 annually, spending his money on leisure activities such as golfing holidays, clothing, and technology. Now, he faces the consequences of his actions as he awaits his formal sentencing, which is expected to be severe given the gravity of his crimes.