A married trainee doctor is set to stand trial charged with a string of sexual offences including assaulting his patients.

Kamran Ali, 39, of Glendale Gardens, Leigh, is charged with six counts of sexual assault on four different women.

He is also charged with one count of making indecent photographs of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image which featured a person performing a sex act on a horse.

He made his first appearance before a judge at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Standing in the dock dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie, Dr Ali has entered not guilty pleas to all the charges on the indictment.

However, a trial date was set for July 16 later this year.

The offences are alleged to have taken place during Dr Ali’s work as a GP trainee.

Ali is alleged to have touched four female patients inappropriately during examinations, including touching naked parts of their body.

Addressing Dr Ali, Judge Samantha Leigh said: “Your trial will take place on July 16.

“Make sure you keep in contact with your solicitor.

“You understand you must turn up and if you do not that is an offence.

“There may be a hearing in the meantime but your solicitor will inform you if you are required to attend.”

The General Medical Council has confirmed that Ali, who studied at the University of Karachi according to the registry, has been suspended since June 9 as part of an investigation.

Prior to his suspension, Ali was subject to a list of restrictions as part of the investigation.

One condition stated that he must not carry out consultations with female patients without a chaperone.

Ali was released on conditional bail.