Chester GP admits having indecent images

Dr Anthony Bland was appearing before Chester Crown Court last Friday.

Dr Bland admitted to seven charges of possessing indecent images of children, which were downloaded from the internet.

He was also found guilty of attempting to incite a girl under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity.

The 62 year old was a well known GP, and formerly worked at Fountains Medical Practice.

Health bosses are offering reassurances that Cheshire Police have confirmed that none of the offences involve the Doctor’s former patients, or relate to his role as a GP.

A joint statement from NHS England and NHS West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

“Upon his arrest in January 2017, we took immediate action to suspend Dr. Bland and he has not had any contact with patients since then.

He has been removed from the list of GP Performers and can no longer work as a GP.”

Chester Crown Court sentenced Dr Bland to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was also made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.