Police have said a Welshpool-based ex-GP was a “predatory and prolific sex offender”.

Thames Valley Police have praised the bravery of the victims of Dr Stephen Cox who was sentenced to 22 years in jail for multiple charges of indecent assault when he worked in Bracknell.

Cox, who is 65 and has been living on the Powys-Shropshire border near Welshpool, was found to have committed sexual assault on multiple women over a span of years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio said: “Cox’s victims believed he was a trusted GP, someone they could confide in and go to for help in their time of most need.

“But now, Cox has been revealed to be a predatory and prolific sex offender.

“He committed his crimes in plain sight, but beneath the mask of being a trusted family doctor.

READ MORE: GP who indecently assaulted seven female patients jailed for 22 years

“He has completely betrayed his profession, his colleagues, and his patients with a pattern of offending which is not to be under-played.

“Cox targeted the most vulnerable women, those who came to him for help in their hour of need.

“But rather than helping his patients, he betrayed them in an abhorrent way, under the pretext of carrying out medical examinations.

“For decades, Cox’s victims have endured the pain and suffering of believing he had got away with his crimes.

“He did not. He has now been unmasked as a prolific sex offender, and he will now face years in prison where he belongs."

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Detective Constable Sara Di Giorgio praised the bravery of his victims whose testimony helped bring Cox to justice

“I have nothing but admiration and praise for all of Cox’s victims,” said DC Di Giorgio. “They have had to endure a lengthy investigation, and many of his victims have had to endure two trials, undergoing cross-examination, where every aspect of their interactions with Cox were scrutinised.

“I hope that this conviction and sentence will allow his victims the solace of some closure.

DC Di Giorgio added that police would be keen to anyone who may have been a victim of Cox but has not yet felt able to come forward.

“Cox practiced medicine across the UK over a lengthy career,” added DC Di Giorgio.

“We are keeping an open mind as to the possibility that he may have committed further offences.

“During his career, Cox practiced in Burton-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Measham in Leicestershire, Wokingham, Ouse Valley in West Sussex and in Telford.

“It is possible there may be other victims who have yet to speak out.

“It is never too late to do so.

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You can contact Thames Valley Police at any time on 101 to speak to their officers.

You can do so, quoting Operation Kurtosis, or you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also email a dedicated inbox for this investigation, OperationKurtosis@thamesvalley.police.uk

Thames Valley Police also work with the charity, the Survivors’ Trust, who can be contacted by calling 08088 010818 or visiting its website at www.thesurvivorstrust.org

“We have dedicated officers who are specialised in investigating sexual offences," added DC Di Giorgio.

“We will listen, investigate appropriately and help victims to access any support services tailored to their needs.

“Please be reassured that the identity of any victims will always be protected.

“My closing words, though, are for Cox’s victims, the survivors of his actions.

“Thank you for putting your trust in Thames Valley Police. Thank you for your patience and your courage.