AN ASSOCIATE consultant at the Isle of Wight’s St Mary’s Hospital has denied multiple counts of sexual assault, all alleged to have taken place within the hospital.

John Ochai, 71, of Church Road, Wootton, pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault on a female and one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 4.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said that Ochai, a consultant at St Mary’s Hospital, had committed the alleged offences within the Newport hospital.

The incidents are said to have happened on June 8, 2016, and August 28 and 29, 2019.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said Ochai has a 40-year career working in the medical profession.

Ochai will appear before the Isle of Wight Crown Court on May 15.

He was granted unconditional bail.