ANTONY COLLIS FROM STONEGATE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN EAST SUSSEX

In a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light disturbing allegations, Antony Collis, a 59-year-old doctor from Stonegate near Wadhurst in East Sussex, was sentenced to a total of eight years and six months in prison for his heinous crimes. The conviction followed a detailed trial at the Old Bailey, where Collis was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault against young girls.

According to court records, Collis was responsible for abusing five schoolgirls over a span of ten years, from 1993 to 2003. These assaults took place during medical examinations at his surgery, the Belmont surgery in East Sussex, where the victims' mothers often waited behind a curtain, unaware of the abuse occurring just steps away. The nature of these examinations, which were supposed to be routine, was marred by Collis's criminal misconduct, leaving a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

The case also revealed that Collis had viewed child pornography on his personal computers, which were seized by police following his arrest. The evidence included graphic images of children, further implicating him in the possession and viewing of illegal material. During the trial, Collis appeared visibly subdued, bowing his head as the jury delivered their verdicts.

It was noted that Collis had been previously reported and removed from his position at the Belmont surgery in 2003 after complaints surfaced. He was officially struck off as a doctor in 2007, but the abuse allegations persisted, leading to this criminal prosecution.

While Collis was convicted on eight counts of indecent assault, he was acquitted of four additional counts, and two more charges were dismissed on the directions of Judge Peter Rook. The sentencing reflects the gravity of his crimes and the breach of trust involved, leaving a somber reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.