"This conduct falls well outside of what ordinary practice would be." – Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Manning
Sydney Doctor Charged with Sexual Assault of Four Female Patients
Dr. Andrew Small, a 70-year-old medical practitioner, has been charged with multiple sexual offenses alleged to have occurred at the Waterloo Medical Centre in Sydney between November 1988 and March 2026.
The Charges
Dr. Small faces five charges:
- Three counts of aggravated sexual assault
- One count of aggravated indecent assault
- One count of sexual assault knowing no consent was given
The allegations involve four female patients.
Arrest and Bail Conditions
Detectives raided the Waterloo Medical Centre on Thursday and arrested Dr. Small. He was taken to Mascot Police Station and spent the night in custody.
On Friday morning, he appeared before a virtual bail hearing. Magistrate Daniel Covington granted bail under the condition that Dr. Small does not practice medicine and does not enter the Waterloo Medical Centre.
Court Details
During the bail hearing, police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Manning described the case as "strong" and argued against bail. He highlighted that the alleged offenses were committed by a person in a position of trust.
Sergeant Manning stated that one victim reported she went to Dr. Small for stomach pain and was sexually assaulted. He submitted that this conduct "falls well outside of what ordinary practice would be."
Magistrate Covington acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, noting they "solely relate to his practice as a medical professional." He described the case as "not weak but certainly not an overwhelming case at this stage."
Additional Allegation
The court also heard that a fifth woman has contacted police since the case became public. She alleges that offenses occurred since 2006, when she was 15 years old.
Background
Dr. Small had previously been investigated by the Health Care Complaints Commission in 2012 but was allowed to continue practicing.
His defense lawyer, Troy Edwards, stated that Dr. Small has no criminal history and intends to fight the charges.