A GP from West Berkshire who sexually abused a boy over a five-year period said he thought his victim would enjoy it.
Dr Robin Borthwick’s victim was aged between nine and 14 when the offences took place, between 1977 and 1982, at two private properties and the GP surgery where the doctor practised.
Borthwick was arrested on November 10, 2021, and served with a postal requisition on November 30 last year.
He was declared unfit to stand trial, so a jury gave their verdict on a trial of facts, held at Reading Crown Court between Wednesday, October 18, and Friday, October 20.
The 78-year-old from Southend Road in Bradfield was given an absolute discharge by the court.
After the trial, in a statement the victim said: “I was sexually abused by Robin Borthwick on multiple occasions between nine and 14 years of age. I kept this secret for over 35 years.
“The long-term damage to my life has been profound. For as long as I can remember I have had suicidal thoughts. Being the victim of a paedophile is an unrelenting, constant battle for survival.
“Robin Borthwick took what he wanted from me, he sexually abused me for his own selfish gratification. I did exactly what I was told. I had no choice. In his confession to a witness, he stated that he thought ‘I would enjoy it’. That is a chilling, repugnant statement.
“It has taken me many years to summon the courage to come forward. My motivation is to break the silence and tell the truth, and in so doing is a hope that I may give a voice to other victims of sexual offences.
“I would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Thames Valley Police for their professionalism and diligence in bringing this man to justice.
“In particular, I’d like to thank Detective Constable Joanna Williams for her unwavering encouragement, persistence and hard work. But most importantly, I’d like to thank my friends and family, without whose love and support I’d given up long ago.”
DC Williams said: “I’m pleased that the truth is now out that Dr Robin Borthwick indecently assaulted a boy over a prolonged period during the 1970s and 1980s.
“The victim has shown incredible courage during the investigation and trial, during which he had to recount the most traumatic moments of his life when he was indecently assaulted by Borthwick.
“He has also bravery by telling his truth to the public in order to give encouragement to other victims of sexual offences to have their voices heard.”
