Doctor jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting patients in Salford

In December 2024, a two week trial concluded following an investigation by GMP’s Salford District into a doctor who was accused of a series of sexual offences against woman in his medical care.

Wayne Sefton Davis (23/04/1955) of no fixed abode was found unanimously guilty of sexually abusing patients which spanned a 15-year period while he worked as a GP in Salford including one count of sexual assault by penetration and one count of indecent assault.

Davis was sentenced on 13 January at Manchester Crown Court to eight years imprisonment and will be placed onto the sex offenders register for life, and will have to abide by strict conditions.

An investigation was launched back in May 2020 by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in GMP’s Salford district after two women bravely came forward to speak out about Davis’ offending and specialist officers were deployed immediately to support them.

In May 2020, one of the women disclosed to officers that she had attended an appointment with Davis 14 years ago, she told officers that Davis sexually assaulted her during a medical examination before he told her that ‘he needed to teach her how to pleasure her husband’.

After the first victim came forward, Davis was swiftly arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and whilst he was in custody, a press release for Davis’ arrest was published by media organisations across Greater Manchester. As a result of this, another victim came forward to disclose a similar inappropriate experience with Davis while she was being examined by him.

She told officers that she attended the practice and Davis performed a routine medical examination before sexually assaulting her to check to see if she was “a virgin”.

Detective Sergeant Charlotte Sullivan of GMP’s City of Salford district, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victims and survivors for how they have so bravely come forward to speak of their experiences and also for their continued support during our investigation and through the trial. This was a long and distressing process for them to endure.

“I would also like to thank our partner agencies in Salford who supported the victims and assisted our investigation which helped put Wayne Davis behind bars.  

“Davis’ actions are truly horrific and shocking, he was in a position of power and used this for his own sexual gratification.

“His actions showcase a complete abuse of trust and power. He took advantage of the women in a time when they needed reassurance. He knowingly did not follow the guidance of the GP’s chaperone policy and sexually assaulted lone women in his place of work with no regard for their wellbeing whatsoever, they were seeking his advice as a medical professional for personal and private matters.

“We understand how much concern will be felt in the local community and across Greater Manchester and we would like to take this as an opportunity to assure members of the public that incidents like these are extremely rare. We continue to work closely with medical practises and the local trusts, staff, the local authority, and support organisations to ensure that patients feel safe and supported.

“This case demonstrates the seriousness with which we deal with any reports of sexual assaults or inappropriate behaviour. No matter when it happened or where it took place, we will investigate, we will support you and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”