In a 2019 article, The Sydney Morning Herald outlined the beginnings of what would come to be a sexual assault case against a prominent Sydney gynaecologist. In 2018, Richard Reid was disqualified from practising at his business, Edgecliff, for five years due to multiple complaints of his use of pelvic mesh implants.
This, perhaps, was just the beginning of Reid's unethical activity, as the article also discussed an ongoing sexual assault case against the disgraced doctor and recent developments that could affect his charges.
The case dates back to September 2019
In a 2019 article, the Sydney Morning Herald went on to explain that a 64-year-old patient of Reid went to Kings Cross police station to file a complaint against the doctor and accused him of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2010 and 2014 at his practice.
After inquiries made by the department, police stated that the 77-year-old Reid turned himself in to Waverley police in September, where he was arrested and charged with eight counts of aggravated assault. Beyond that – aside from noting that Reid refused bail to appear in court – the article did not provide more information regarding the case. However, recent developments have once again brought it to the public's attention.
More women came forward recently
The Daily Telegraph shed light on some of what has happened to Reid since he was first charged with aggravated assault. The news source reported that Reid made bail back in September, has since retired and lives on the Central Coast with his wife while awaiting trial.
In May 2020, two more women came forward and accused Reid of sexually assaulting them at his practice when they were aged 28 and 25 between 2000 and 2001. After the initial allegation against the former gynaecologist, police reminded everyone to report instances of sexual assault in confidence regardless of when they occurred.
Now, The Daily Telegraph reports that Reid is facing 15 charges in total from the three women. He did not appear in court to face these new allegations, and prosecutors requested a six-week adjournment to collect the new testimonies and evidence. How the case ultimately plays out remains to be seen in the coming months.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by sexual assault, contact the legal team at Gerard Malouf & Partners to learn about how you can proceed with a claim.