Anaesthetist jailed over child and adult sexual abuse

Dr Edward Finn admitted one count of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 by touching, three counts of making indecent photographs of children, three counts of taking indecent photographs of children, and two counts of voyeurism.

The 36-year-old, who committed the offences on various dates between July 2015 and November 2023, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing today (Friday, June 28).

He was given a 12-year extended sentence - made up of eight years' custody and a four-year extension.

Finn must also sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely, and was made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

The court heard Finn, formerly of Hollygate Lane, Cotgrave, took indecent photographs of a child patient at the King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton, who he also touched sexually, on April 11, 2019.

Finn also took photographs of a naked child known to him. This child wasn't a patient.

One of his voyeurism charges related to an unknown woman patient at the Derby Royal Infirmary, on July 1, 2015, when unbeknown to the victim he recorded images beneath her clothing without her consent.

The other voyeurism charge related to an adult known to him, who wasn’t a patient.

When detectives examined Finn's digital devices, they found thousands of indecent images.

Finn made 179 ‘category A’ images - the most severe classification of indecent images of children.

He made a further 268 ‘category B’ and 3,461 ‘category C’ images which were also found on his devices.

Detective Constable Sarah Clarke, from Nottinghamshire Police’s public protection unit, said: “I would firstly like to thank all of the victims for their immense bravery in coming forward and the dignity and strength they have shown throughout the entire investigation.

“It’s clear Finn could not stop committing sexual offences involving adults and children and had demonstrated a high degree of sexual interest in children over a long period of time.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to his victims and I hope our extensive work in this case gives people confidence that Nottinghamshire Police will always listen to victims, treat them with respect, and investigate reports thoroughly – regardless of who the alleged perpetrator is.”

Judge Michael Auty KC praised DC Clarke for what was “a thorough, dignified, and sensitively conducted investigation”.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Lefford, Nottinghamshire Police’s children’s public protection lead, added: “I have no doubt this case will be alarming for the public to hear.

“We have worked closely with NHS organisations and conducted a protracted and thorough investigation into the offences committed by Finn.

“We are satisfied there is no further evidence of any wider offending and do not currently believe there are any other victims in this case.

"However, if anyone feels they are a victim of crime we would urge them to report it to us by calling 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Dr Simon Roe, Acting Medical Director of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: "First and foremost, I would like to reiterate our unreserved apology to the patient and their family for the despicable crimes they were subjected to by Edward Finn. We can only imagine how hard this ordeal has been for them and everyone else who has been affected by this horrific case."We want everyone visiting our hospitals to feel safe in accessing the best possible care, without the fear of being subject to such disgraceful offences.

"Since the moment this incident was brought to our attention as part of the police investigation, we have supported Nottinghamshire Police and have conducted our own robust review to understand how anyone could breach the strict measures that are in place to protect patients.

"Ultimately, only Edward Finn knows how he managed to commit these abhorrent crimes that I am clear represent the ultimate betrayal of trust - not only to the victim in his care and their family, but also to the thousands of colleagues who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care across our NHS."