Lecturer sexually assaulted uni student on campus

A "predatory" physiotherapist and former lecturer who "abused his position of power" has been banned from health professions after sexually assaulting a student on campus.

Allan James McRoberts was working as a physiotherapy lecturer at the University of Suffolk, in Ipswich, when the attack on his victim took place.

The 36-year-old was dismissed by the college and later fined and given a community order at Ipswich Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to sexual assault of a female.

The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) ruled his "predatory behaviour" amounted to serious misconduct and struck him off the health register.

"The striking off order is both necessary and proportionate to protect members of the public from the risk of harm that the registrant poses," its panel said.

Before the attack, McRoberts had sent messages to the student on social media which were described as being "sexually motivated and sexual in nature".

He said: "Can't believe you've only just got in the shower, need to be careful with my inappropriate comments right now, you're far too innocent."

The HCPTS said he was "being flirtatious and was testing the waters for what was to follow" as a means of seeing whether the student was interested in him.

It added that he displayed "predatory behaviour" in "seeking to take advantage" of the student when there was "an unequal balance of power".

Three days later, McRoberts sexually assaulted his victim before being arrested the following day after she told the university's safeguarding team what had happened.

He was subsequently suspended as a lecturer pending an internal investigation before being dismissed with immediate effect a few weeks later.

Magistrates also have him community order for two years and told him he must complete 40 rehabilitation activity days and 240 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £254 in fees, £1,000 compensation to the victim and register with police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for five years.

The HCPTS went on to add that his conduct was "deplorable" and "caused harm" to the student, who described feeling "scared and upset" and "shaken up".

"The misconduct was serious, sexually motivated, sexual in nature, and fell far short of what would be expected and what would be considered proper," it said.

"The panel had no evidence that the registrant had fully developed insight into his actions and failed to acknowledge the impact of his actions on the victim.

"There remains a high risk of repetition."

The University of Suffolk said McRoberts was dismissed "following a prompt and thorough investigation".

"The university assisted the police investigation," a spokesperson added.

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