MICHAEL SALMON AND SHOCKING ABUSE IN SALISBURY

A former pediatrician and child specialist from Salisbury has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual assaults on young girls. Michael Salmon, aged 81, was initially convicted of serious offenses dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, during his tenure working as a consultant paediatrician at various hospitals, including the notable Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury. His career in medicine was marred by the heinous misconduct committed while he was entrusted with the care of vulnerable children.

Earlier this month, a jury at Reading Crown Court found Salmon guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault, though he was acquitted of rape and cleared of an additional 11 counts of indecent assault. During the trial, evidence revealed that Salmon had preyed on his young victims—some as young as eight—while working in clinical settings that required examinations. He often targeted children behind screens, with their parents present in the room, creating a disturbing environment of abuse masked as medical procedures. In one particularly disturbing incident, Salmon demanded a girl, who was seeking help for an ear problem, to remove her clothing, only to touch her inappropriately despite not conducting the examination he had claimed to perform. Several other victims reported that they were routinely made to disrobe during examinations, which Salmon exploited to carry out his sexual misconduct.

The court heard that Salmon's abusive behavior extended beyond clinical examinations. In an act that added to the gravity of his misconduct, he sexually abused a girl who was ill and receiving care in her own home after visiting her. Another young girl was shown inappropriate diagrams from books, including what resembled “The Joy Of Sex,” during a medical appointment. These acts spanned over a decade, during which Salmon’s abuse left lasting trauma on his victims, many of whom were vulnerable due to their health conditions or age.

A judge at the hearing, Judge Johannah Cutts QC, did not hold back in her condemnation of Salmon’s actions. She acknowledged that Salmon was initially highly regarded by parents and colleagues, praised for his expertise in childhood migraines and his professional reputation. However, she stated, “You were held in high esteem. It seems to me you considered yourself bomb-proof.” The judge noted Salmon’s lack of remorse or contrition for his actions, emphasizing that his criminal conduct lasted for 14 years, during which he used his position of trust to exploit children who were already in a vulnerable state due to their health concerns. The judge described how the victims were treated as “objects for your sexual gratification.”

The court also heard that Salmon, who had previously been struck off the medical register back in 1991 following a guilty plea to three counts of indecent assault against young female patients, had displayed disturbing behavior even during examinations. He asked some victims about their sexual activity and involved himself in conversations about his own sex life, further demonstrating his inappropriate conduct. One of his victims reported that Salmon told her that “worrying about sex” was one of the causes of headaches—a reflection of his disturbing attitude towards the children he was supposed to care for.

Following the publicity surrounding the trial last year, additional victims came forward, further confirming the extent of Salmon’s heinous acts. Recognizing the severity of the crimes, Judge Cutts clarified that her sentencing was constrained by laws applicable at the time of the offences. She dismissed arguments from Salmon’s defense that the additional convictions should not lead to a longer prison term, stating, “The offences are plainly so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified.” She explained that had all of the offences been considered together in 2015, Salmon’s total sentence would have been 22 years.

Ultimately, Salmon was sentenced to four years for what the court classified as two counts of assault by penetration—among the most serious charges—and two years for each of the other counts, with all sentences to run concurrently. Importantly, the four-year term will be served consecutively to the sentence he is already serving. His previous conviction led to him being removed from the medical register in 1991 after admitting to three counts of indecent assault. The judge’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the enduring harm inflicted on his victims.

In response to the case, an NSPCC spokesperson expressed deep shock at the crimes committed by Salmon, who was trusted with children’s care. The spokesperson stated, “It beggars belief that a man responsible for looking after children committed so many vile assaults against those in his care. His abhorrent crimes have now caught up with him thanks to the courage of the victims who have come forward.” They also emphasized that no one is immune from prosecution, regardless of reputation or the length of time since the offences. The NSPCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of abuse and provided helpline contact details: “Victims of abuse will be listened to and given support. They can call our helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.”