A 'fake doctor' who was really a receptionist sexually assaulted a patient during an 'intimate examination', a court heard.

Medical practice receptionist Matthew Emeney-Tucker, 38, had access to the medical record of the patient, so knew he had a condition which would make him more 'easily persuaded' to undergo the examination, Norwich Crown Court was told.

However, following the home visit, the patient became suspicious and telephoned the practice to check on Emeney-Tucker's credentials - to find he had been duped.

Emeney-Tucker, of Dereham Road, New Costessey, admitted sexual assault on March 4, this year.

He had worked at Trinity and Bowthorpe Medical Practice at Bowthorpe Health Centre.

A second charge of fraud, in which Emeney-Tucker was alleged to have falsely represented he was a qualified doctor, was ordered to lie on file after Emeney-Tucker pleaded not guilty.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said: 'He had access to the medical reports of patients and using those records he identified the complainant and made an appointment to see him at his home, where he carried out an intimate examination of him.'

He said Emeney-Tucker had presented himself as a doctor, but it was only after his visit that the victim checked with the practice and discovered there had been no arrangement for a doctor to visit him.

Mr Ivory said, when arrested and interviewed Emeney-Tucker, made a full confession and said the victim had a medical condition which would have made him 'more easily persuaded' to agree to the examination.

Ian James, for Emeney-Tucker, who is of previous good character said there needed to be a full report and to check if any psychiatric report was needed.

Judge Anthony Bate ordered a report and adjourned sentence for three weeks, but warned Emeney-Tucker that all options, including custody, were open.

After the case, a spokesman for Trinity and Bowthorpe Medical Practice, said Emeney-Tucker had been employed as a temporary receptionist via a recruitment agency and all 'appropriate checks and inductions' had been undertaken.

The spokesman said the practice was 'shocked and appalled' to learn of his actions, which happened within a week of him starting work.

The spokesman added: 'He was instantly dismissed as soon as we were made aware of his alleged actions. Patient confidentiality and care is of paramount importance and we are particularly angry that this trust was broken by this individual.'