A haemorrhoids examination was used as an excuse for a sexual assault on a student by a family doctor, a court heard.

Dr Rodney Tate, 66, is accused of indecently assaulting 14 women at the Old Steine Surgery, Brighton, over a period of 25 years.

The witness at Lewes Crown Court said that though she had never complained of piles, Tate - who denies 17 charges of indecent assault - said he would look "to make sure she didn't have them".

Another witness said Tate told her to strip to the waist before fondling her breasts when she was only suffering from a sore throat.

The case continues.