VULNERABLE women patients were indecently assaulted and raped by a York psychiatrist who specialised in psycho-sexual disorders, a jury was told this afternoon.

The three women felt unclean, ashamed and humiliated after the attacks by Michael Haslam, and one of the women, who alleges Haslam raped her, drove to Strensall Common, near York, and tried to kill herself by cutting her wrists, it was alleged at Leeds Crown Court.

One of the indecent assault victims was told by Haslam: "If you tell anybody I will make sure your reputation is ruined," said Paul Worsley, QC, prosecuting.

Haslam, 69, of Crayke, near Easingwold, who is now retired, denies four indecent assaults and one rape.

The offences are alleged to have happened at the former Clifton Hospital, York District Hospital and Bootham Park Hospital in the 1980s.

The trial is expected to continue for about four weeks.

Updated: 16:42 Wednesday, November 12, 2003