A doctor has appeared in court accused of more than 40 counts of sexual assault against hospital patients including children.

The charges faced by Nathaniel Spencer on Tuesday relate to 38 patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital and Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, between 2017 and 2021.

The 38-year-old of Great Hampden Street, Birmingham, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre where he was released on conditional bail until his next appearance set for Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 20 February.

Some of the patients over whom he is accused were under 13 at the time of the alleged offences.

Wearing a grey suit and white shirt, Spencer spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth during a short hearing in front of District Judge Joseph O’Connor.

Spencer was a former resident doctor, previously known as a junior doctor, at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust between August 2017 and August 2020.

He later worked as a resident doctor on a placement at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust from August 2020 to April 2021.

He is charged with 15 counts of sexual assault, 17 of assault by penetration, nine of sexual assault of a child under 13, three of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and one of attempted assault by penetration.