Dr. John Keate, an 80-year-old Harley Street physician, has faced a devastating false sexual assault accusation from a former employee, leading to a public arrest and a lengthy legal battle. He was found not guilty at Southwark Crown Court after a three-year ordeal that included taking out a six-figure loan for legal expenses. The allegations stemmed from two brief, accidental encounters with the woman he employed, who later sought severance pay. Despite his innocence, the incident severely impacted his reputation, practice, and personal life. Dr. Keate continues to advocate for justice and the evaluation of whistleblower anonymity in such cases.
A Harley Street doctor with a 50-year unblemished track record of patient care has told how his reputation is in tatters after one of his employees falsely accused him of sexual assault.
Dr. John Keate, 80, was publicly removed from his exam room, stripped and locked in a cell after being accused of inappropriately touching a woman.
The grandfather of six faced a three-year nightmare before being unanimously found not guilty at London’s Southwark Crown Court last month. He had to take out a six-figure loan to cover his legal costs.
Dr Keet, a devout Catholic who also works in the NHS, said: “I intend to apply for this to be removed, but it is unfair that my name is associated with baseless accusations on the internet.”
“On the other hand, whistleblowers, operating from a position of trust, can maintain complete and lifelong anonymity, targeting particularly vulnerable professionals.”
He said the woman called 999 10 days after leaving the company and requested severance pay for 14 days of temporary work in 2021.
Dr Keet, an elderly care specialist, said: “The police swooped in on me while I was in the middle of my appointment, among my colleagues and patients.”
“I was dragged away by three or four police officers, thrown into a cell and interrogated for hours. It was traumatic.”
Dr John Keate (pictured) was forced out of his consulting room in public, stripped and locked in a cell after being accused of inappropriately touching a woman.
The grandfather-of-six faced a three-year nightmare before being unanimously found not guilty at London’s Southwark Crown Court last month.
He had hired this young woman to assist his office’s two secretaries, an 85-year-old PA and a 71-year-old PA.
The man said he came into contact with her twice, accidentally touching her head when she stood up while working at her desk, and holding her down as she climbed onto the table to open the window.
The jury accepted his explanation of these events. He says the other six allegations that made up the eight sexual assault charges he faced were “phantom” allegations.
He was indicted nearly a year after his arrest in January 2022.
“When the matter finally went to court, thankfully justice prevailed, but the impact was significant,” he said.
“This allegation was posted on the internet for my patients to read. I had to report it to the medical regulator and I have to close the reading and service in the church so as not to embarrass my parishioners. I quit.”
Born in a Japanese POW camp in Shanghai where his parents were interned, he has lived in London since the 1970s and travels extensively treating NHS patients.
He said: “I became a doctor and work in the NHS because, ever since I was born a prisoner of war, I have always felt that I was living a life on borrowed time.”
“I wanted to do good in the world, and that still drives me.” I am an honorable gentleman and am glad that the jury ultimately believed in me. I think so. ”
