Former surgeon seeks to stop sex assault trial

Retired consultant surgeon Michael Shine — who is accused of indecently assaulting young males over a 26-year period — has launched a High Court action to stop his trial going ahead.

A High Court judge yesterday put a stay on the trial of the 80-year-old, who faces charges of indecent assault against 22 victims, pending the outcome of the court challenge.

Mr Shine, who denies all the charges against him, has brought the action to permanently block his trial, claiming he cannot get a fair trial because of the lengthy delay before charges were brought against him.