A Perth-based Malaysian paediatrician has been charged with dozens of sex offences relating to eight child patients and one additional underage alleged victim.
Chia Liang Saw, 41, was charged with persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16 and possessing child exploitation material on May 29 after he allegedly sexually assaulted a patient at one of his workplaces.
Prosecutors said at a court appearance earlier this month that another eight potential victims had been identified from footage from an alleged hidden camera inside a hospital consulting room, and Western Australia Police confirmed on Friday they had charged Dr Saw with 31 additional offences.
The new charges include one count of sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, seven counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13 years, six counts of indecent dealings with a child over 13 and under 16, nine counts of indecent recording of children, seven counts of producing child abuse material, and intent to procure a person under 16 for sexual activity.
The child abuse squad allege all nine children were sexually assaulted, and that the offences occurred between November 2022 and May this year in West Leederville, Wembley, Nedlands and Midland, where Dr Saw works as a consultant developmental paediatrician who specialises in behavioural issues.
Dr Saw appeared before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday but was not required to enter a plea. He was remanded in custody at Hakea Prison, and his lawyer said he would apply for bail later this month, WAtoday reported.
After his arrest Dr Saw had his registration suspended by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and he is banned from practicing until the criminal case against him is concluded. There is no suggestion Dr Saw’s suspension means he is guilty of the charges.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Dr Saw also works as a clinical lecturer at Curtin University.
Header image: Chia Liang Saw (LinkedIn).
