A senior radiologist from a top cancer hospital in the U.K. has pleaded guilty to an illicit sexual encounter on a train, according to a report in the media.
At a hearing held at Chester Magistrates' Court, Dr. Mark Elias, a 51-year-old consultant radiologist at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, and 37-year-old Phillip Goodman admitted outraging public decency, the Manchester Evening News (MEN) reported on 5 February. The two men were warned that they may face up to six months in jail under sentencing guidelines, the article noted.
Scott Woodward, the prosecuting lawyer, reportedly told the hearing: "Both defendants were on a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester. It was around 10 p.m. on 29 September last year. During that 50-minute journey, the defendants were said to have committed sexual acts on each other in full view of other passengers of the train."
The magistrates adjourned until 28 February for a pre-sentence report, the MEN stated. The pair's previous police bail condition (that they must not use rail services except for prearranged medical or legal appointments or for work purposes) was extended.
Elias previously worked as associate clinical director and consultant radiologist at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital in North Wales.
Following the hearing, a Christie spokesperson told the MEN: "The trust is aware of the charges which are unrelated to work and do not involve any members of staff or patients. Dr. Elias has not worked at the Christie since the day of his arrest and the trust has had no previous concerns regarding his conduct. This remains a matter for the courts."
