Hospital review after doctor jailed for child abuse images

The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has ordered an external review after a former doctor was jailed.

Dr Alexander Knight, 54, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court last week after police found 14,000 child abuse images on his devices.

The senior anaesthetist was jailed for a year and eight months and put on the sex offenders register.

Knight changed his surname from Grice since being charged and appeared in court under his new name.

A hospital spokesperson said: "We are shocked and saddened by the nature of these crimes and our thoughts are with those affected.

"Of the crimes Alexander Knight was charged with, there is no suggestion any were committed on Trust premises or involved any of the Trust's patients.

"Following his arrest in June 2022 all appropriate processes were followed and we continue to work closely with Devon & Cornwall Police and the GMC.

"In line with our commitment to a just and learning culture, we have also commissioned an external review to consider whether there is anything we can learn from this."

Knight of East Street, Chulmleigh, and formerly of Poughill, Crediton, admitted three counts of making, by downloading, indecent images of children, and possession of prohibited and extreme images.

In passing sentence, Judge Evans told Knight: "There was deliberate searching for such imagery and evidence that you were an avid user of chat rooms. Some of the victims were unconscious or drugged. Many of the children depicted being raped were very young and vulnerable and some showed discernible pain or distress.

"You are undoubtedly a person with personal qualities and achievements. You have lost your job, your career, your family and your good name."

The hospital has asked that any patients who may be concerned about the doctor to contact a helpline.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].