Austrian doctor appears in court for sexual abuse charges

Austrian doctor appeared in court after being accused of sexual abuse by several of his female patients, including some minors.

Photo: Austrian doctor appears in court for sexual abuse charges

The 53-year-old man, who was not identified by name, is accused, among other things, of rape, sexual abuse of minors, the pornographic portrayal of minors, misuse of authority and assault, the Austria Press Agency reported. He also is accused of taking pictures of his naked patients, AP reports.

The man, who allegedly carried out the abuse over many years, has been in detention awaiting trial since November, according to the Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"He only chose those from whom he didn't expect much resistance. On the one hand, those were women who were very young - one of the victims was just 13 years old - and older patients around 70," federal prosecutor Reinhard Kloibhofer was quoted by APA as saying.

At least one of the victims was mentally handicapped, APA reported.

"He considered himself as Casanova," APA quoted Kloibhofer telling the court in the southern city of Leoben.

The man's defender said his client had "partially confessed" to the acts, APA said.

Efforts to reach court officials failed Wednesday.

A verdict could come later Wednesday. The man faces up to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty, according to ORF.