A DOCTOR, accused of sexually assaulting a patient during a hospital examination, has appeared in court.

Dr Steven Pearse-Danker, who lives in Worle, is facing one count of sexual assault, relating to an alleged incident in August.

He did not enter a plea when he appeared before magistrates at North Somerset Courthouse during a 10-minute hearing on April 14.

Gareth Giddings, prosecuting, said the alleged victim was 22 years old at the time of the offence.

She cannot be named because she is entitled to anonymity by law.

The alleged incident took place on August 2 at Clevedon Hospital, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Pearse-Danker, of Hawthorn Hill, used to be a partner at Worle Medical Practice before moving on to work at Locking Castle Medical Centre.

The 59-year-old was granted unconditional bail by magistrates.

He will appear at Bristol Crown Court on May 5.