A LEADING doctor has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman at a Hampshire hospital.

Animesh Banerjee, a consultant ear nose and throat specialist, had faced allegations that he grabbed the woman’s breast and then her wrist in a hospital room, telling her: “It’s your fault – you’re gorgeous.”

The woman claimed the incident happened after he had followed her into an outpatients room at the Royal South Hants Hospital and closed the door, leaving them alone.

She alleged that he then started caressing her leg before touching her.

Dr Banerjee, who had a run a clinic at Care UK at the hospital since 2010, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and common assault.

He told jurors the incidents had never happened.

Yesterday a jury of eight women and four men believed him, deliberating for less than an hour before acquitting him unanimously on both charges.

After the foreman announced their verdict he whispered: “Thank you” to them from the dock.

It had been the second time the doctor, who in his summing up the judge described as having an exemplary good character, had appeared in court over the charges, which were said to have happened in June 2013.

Jurors were unable to reach a verdict in the first trial at the city crown court and a second one was ordered.

Discharging him the judge told Dr Banerjee: “I hope you return to your practice.”