A doctor forced vulnerable new mothers into having internal examinations, telling them to think of their husbands, the General Medical Council heard.

Dr Faiz Ur Rehman allegedly told one tearful woman to let her partner "get on with it" after she told him it was too painful for her to have sex after giving birth. The GP is also accused of ignoring protests from three other patients before carrying out unnecessary checks on their private parts.

Edward Henry, counsel for the GMC, said: "This doctor adopted a dictatorial, domineering approach in respect of women who were acutely vulnerable. Confronted by his juggernaut behaviour, they caved in and buried their shame for years."

The GP is accused of inconsiderate, inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour with all four patients.

Dr Rehman carried out repeated internal examinations on Miss A while she expected a child in 1982 even though she believed they were unnecessary.

The doctor told her to remove her bra every time he wanted to listen to her chest but failed to have a chaperone present.

He also allegedly objected to her husband being in the room during one appointment at his surgery at 20 Sudley Road, Bognor.

Miss A will be giving evidence in private.

Dr Rehman then moved to the Norfolk Square surgery in 14 Aldwick Road, Bognor, in 1989.

The GP became "stroppy" with patient B when she refused a vaginal examination in 1996, six weeks after the birth of her son, it was claimed.

Mr Henry said: "After examining her child he told Ms B to 'get on the couch'.

"She explained she did not want it and had not been having sex with her husband since the birth because she was sore.

"The doctor did not take no for an answer. She decided to give in but she was upset and was crying throughout the procedure.

"She really did not give her consent. She was overcome by the doctor's bullying and hectoring manner."

Dr Rehman then allegedly told her: "Women are scared of having sex after having babies because they might get pregnant again.

"Just let your husband get on with it. What about him?"

Third patient Ms C was pressed into having a "detailed and invasive" breast examination on September 23, 1997, the hearing was told.

He is also accused of being late for appointments and leaving patients waiting until late at night.

Rehman, of The Rubens, 105 Marshall Avenue, Bognor, denies serious professional misconduct.

The hearing continues.