Doctor who sexually assaulted sedated patients seeks bail pending appeal

TORONTO – An anesthesiologist convicted of sexually assaulting 21 sedated women during surgeries is seeking bail while he appeals.

Dr. George Doodnaught was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday for his crimes, which the judge called reprehensible.

Doodnaught, 65, was on bail throughout his trial but was taken into custody Tuesday after he was sentenced.

His lawyer, Brian Greenspan, argues that Doodnaught complied “religiously” with his bail conditions during trial and there is no risk he will reoffend since his medical licence is suspended.

Greenspan has filed a notice of appeal listing dozens of errors he says the trial judge made, including that he decided guilt while ignoring any inconsistent evidence.

He wants the convictions overturned and a new trial ordered, though he estimates the actual appeal won’t be heard until June or perhaps September of next year.