A DOCTOR who was found guilty of assaulting a patient said he plans to appeal against his conviction.

Earlier this month, Dr Abiodun Bale was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,015 costs for assaulting Sheena Cunningham at the Acorn Medical Centre on Blackburn Road, Accrington on March 25.

The court heard Mrs Cunningham had attended the surgery and been given an appointment with Dr Bale. She expressed her concerns about her condition and Dr Bale said she should contact the out-of-hours service if things deteriorated.

The court heard Mrs Cunningham said she would see another doctor and walked towards the door, before the doctor grabbed her arm and tried to drag her back into the consulting room.

Dr Bale, of The Fairway, New Moston, Manchester, said after his sentencing: “I have complied fully with the police investigation and am disappointed with the outcome. I have now considered my options and intend to pursue an appeal. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support at this difficult time.”