Physiotherapist accused of inappropriate behaviour towards female colleagues at Tipperary centre

Man admitted asking woman for hugs on several occasions but denied having a sexual motive

Sarath Divakaran is accused of 18 separate allegations of professional misconduct in relation to inappropriate behaviour and failing to maintain professional boundaries with two female staff while working at South Tipperary Therapy Services in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins

A physiotherapist accused of inappropriate behaviour towards two female colleagues at a HSE centre in Co Tipperary has admitted trying to hug one woman on several occasions, which he accepts with hindsight was wrong to do.

However, Sarath Divakaran, denied ever having a sexual motive for such physical contact.