Retired York psychiatrist Dr William Kerr has been accused of serious sexual offences against women patients - but will strongly deny the charges, his solicitor said today.

Ex-Clifton Hospital consultant Dr Kerr, of Alne, near Easingwold, has been charged with 15 offences against former patients, including rape and indecent assault.

The 72-year-old retired doctor was released on police bail after being charged at Harrogate police station and is due to appear before the town's magistrates on August 18.

His solicitor, Richard Manning, said today: "He will strongly be denying these allegations."

Dr Kerr was arrested and questioned by detectives last August during a lengthy investigation into allegations of criminal misconduct against patients, between ten and 20 years ago.

The probe was launched in March last year after a complaint was lodged against the doctor. Hundreds of former patients were contacted during the investigation.

Police say the psychiatrist was employed by the NHS between 1965 and his retirement in 1988, during which time he practised at Harrogate and York.

Villagers at Alne were stunned by news of the charges against a resident who was a popular and respectable member of the community. "It's such a shock," said one resident, Mary Hirst, last night.

"Villagers will be horrified and shocked," said shopkeeper Valerie Walters, adding that Dr Kerr had been very ill recently. Mr Manning confirmed that the doctor had "not enjoyed the best of health" in recent years.

A spokesman for the Northern and Yorkshire NHS Executive said today: "The health service has worked closely with North Yorkshire police throughout this inquiry and will continue to do so.

"Maintaining patient confidentiality and providing support to the women involved has been a major consideration for all parties concerned. Pending judicial proceedings we cannot comment further about this matter."

Harrogate MP Phil Willis has asked Health Secretary Frank Dobson to hold an inquiry into issues raised by the allegations against the consultant, and also for changes to hospital complaints procedures.

A second former York psychiatrist, Dr Michael Haslam, is under investigation by the General Medical Council following allegations by former patients of serious misconduct. Police investigated the matter, but found no evidence of criminal activity and passed on their files to the NHS. Dr Haslam lost his senior post at a northern health trust earlier this month.

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