The courage of victims who came forward to report the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of a shamed former doctor at Stoke Mandeville Hospital has been praised by police today.

Michael Salmon, aged 80, of Park Lane, Britford, Salisbury, was convicted of two counts of rape and nine counts of indecent assault following a five-week trial at Reading Crown Court.

The offences relate to six female victims, aged between 12 and 18, who had been referred to the former paediatrician. The crimes took place between 1973 and 1988.

Police said today that four victims initially came forward, leading to Salmon being arrested and charged in November 2013. After this was reported in the media, more victims came forward and further charges were brought in May 2014.

Designated Investigator Emma Barlow said: “I would like to thank all the witnesses for having the courage to come forward, face their abuser and tell the court what happened to them many years ago when they were child patients of Salmon. “I would like to also thank the strength of the women who were the witnesses from an earlier conviction of Salmon in 1990. They gave evidence to the court this time for matters they thought had been put to rest 25 years ago.”

Det Sgt Malcolm Wheeler from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Salmon was a prolific sexual offender who abused his position of power in order for his own sexual gratification.

“As a consultant paediatrician, he preyed on young girls who had been referred to him for a variety of health issues. They trusted him, they believed him, because he was a doctor and they thought he was trustworthy.

“On a number of occasions, he carried out unnecessary internal examinations on young girls. Although they felt uncomfortable at this, they didn’t feel able to tell anyone because they believed the examinations must have been necessary. Some of the offences were committed while the child’s parent was just outside the room.

“They have had to live with his actions their entire lives and it is only because of their bravery that Salmon now faces a long time behind bars.

“He never admitted any of these offences and when asked about these offences, denied carrying out any internal examinations and claimed the victims were lying. He was categorically shown to be lying over the last few weeks at Reading Crown Court.

“If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or know someone who has, then please get in touch with us. This conviction shows that even if the offences were committed decades ago, we will listen to you and we will do everything to make sure offenders are brought to justice.”

Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Thames and Chiltern said: “Michael Salmon has been convicted today of offences which are particularly shocking due to the abuse of his position as a doctor taking advantage of the female patients in his care. His crimes were extremely traumatic for his victims who should have expected his support rather than this gross betrayal of their trust.

“Michael Salmon used his status to molest these vulnerable young girls and women who felt unable to complain as he was a doctor, and many of whom only bravely came forward after seeing other cases in the media. I hope they now feel that justice has been done.”