Addenbrooke's
Myles Bradbury was a former paediatrician at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge NHS.gov

A children's doctor has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing cancer sufferers as young as eight in his care.

Dr Myles Bradbury, a former paediatric haematologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, admitted a total of 25 offences against a total of 18 victims, 12 counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy aged 13 to 15 and seven counts of sexually assaulting a boy under 13 by touching.

At Cambridge Crown Court, Bradbury, 41, from Herringswell, Suffolk, pleaded guilty to making more than 16,000 indecent images of children.

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity as well as one count of voyeurism.

The blood cancer specialist abused boys in his care from 2009 until 2013. He was suspended from the NHS in November last year following a complaint made against him.

The victim's ages ranged from eight to 17 and they suffered from illnesses including cancer and blood disorders.

After admitting the charges, Judge Gareth Hawkesworth ordered him to sign the sex offenders register and said he should expect a "substantial" prison sentence.

Detective Sergeant Shane Fasey, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: "Bradbury's offences were an appalling breach of trust committed against vulnerable victims who had been placed in his care.

"The families believed the boys were in his safe hands but they were actually being abused by Bradbury, who carried out examinations purely for his own sexual gratification and with no medical justification whatsoever.

"I would like to praise the victims and their families who have shown the bravery to come forward and help bring Bradbury to account."

After his first appearance in court in July, Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) confirmed he no longer worked at the Trust and set up a helpline for concerned patients, former patients and parents.

A CUH spokesperson said: "Our main priority at CUH is the safety of our patients. As soon as concerns were raised nine months ago, Dr Bradbury was excluded from working at the Trust and is no longer employed here.

"Since then we have worked closely with Cambridgeshire Police and partners, including the NSPCC, to make sure that individuals are contacted and support is offered throughout this difficult time."

A sentencing date for Bradbury was not given.

The Bradbury helpline is 0800 389 8625 and is available 8am and 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm at weekends.