Catania, doctor suspended for alleged sexual assault in hospital: disqualification for a former chief physician.

CATANIA This morning, the State Police executed a restraining order issued by the Preliminary Investigations Judge of the Catania Court against a 63-year-old doctor, a former hospital chief physician who currently holds a different public office in the healthcare system.

The measure, which involves suspension from exercising functions in public or publicly owned healthcare facilities for a period of twelve months, concerns the accusation of sexual violence against a fellow surgeon, in the context of events which, according to the prosecution, occurred between 2018 and 2024.

The accusations and investigations

According to the prosecution's case, while presuming innocence until a final verdict is reached, the professional is seriously suspected of engaging in sexually motivated behavior toward female subordinate staff at the hospital in Paternò, in the province of Catania.

The investigations—conducted by the 3rd Investigative Section "Crimes against the Person, against Minors, and Sexual Offences" of the Catania Flying Squad and the Judicial Police Section—have reconstructed, through wiretaps, statements, and video footage, incidents of rapid groping and sexual advances perpetrated in the ward, including during patient visits.

According to the prosecution, the 63-year-old allegedly took advantage of the hierarchical relationship and the professional subordination of the victims, inducing them to submit to the acts out of fear of possible repercussions on their careers.

The findings and the decision of the investigating judge

The investigation, coordinated by the Catania District Attorney's Office, led to a request for a precautionary prison sentence, citing the seriousness of the facts and the alleged multiplicity of victims.

However, the Preliminary Investigations Judge only partially agreed with the Prosecutor's Office's conclusions: he acknowledged serious evidence relating to a single episode of sexual violence, rejecting the other charges.

The measure adopted is therefore a interdictory measureThe doctor has been banned from working in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other public facilities for a maximum of twelve months.

The disputed episode

The most credible incident, according to the investigation, involves a fellow surgeon who, during her shifts, was allegedly repeatedly groped with rapid, unexpected gestures, accompanied by sexually explicit remarks.

The victim, taken by surprise, had no opportunity to defend himself or express dissent. This behavior allegedly continued from December 2018 until September 2024.

Presumption of innocence and future developments

The proceedings are still in the preliminary phase, and no final conviction has been issued. The suspect remains presumed innocent until a final verdict is handed down.

The Prosecutor's Office, deeming the prohibition measure insufficient given the seriousness of the alleged conduct, announced the possibility of appealing the measure.

The investigation is continuing to verify the existence of other incidents and to fully reconstruct the context in which the alleged harassment occurred.