Vile secret of trusted top doctor

GP and NHS director who downloaded child sex abuse images is struck off|

- DAMON WILKINSON

ONE of the country’s most senior GPs has been struck off after being convicted of downloading hundreds of child abuse images.

Dr Robert Varnam claimed he amassed the horrific collection after “neglecting his self-care” while working 75-hour weeks and “rarely taking a break”.

The 52-year-old was arrested in 2020 after being caught with 241 indecent images, some showing children as young as six.

Varnam, who at the time was practising as a GP at the Robert Darbishire Practice in Rusholme, was also Director of General Practice Development for NHS England.

He denied he had a sexual interest in children and said he had no recollection of downloading the images.

At Manchester Crown Court last July he was sentenced to a two-year community order, a rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of community service after admitting three counts of making indecent photographs.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register and abide by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.