THIS is the first picture of a North-East doctor accused of a series of sexual assaults on patients.

Dr Syed Amjad Husain appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday to set a date for his trial in May.

The 29-year-old GP, of Orchard Court surgery, Darlington, had previously been remanded in custody but he was granted bail subject to conditions three weeks ago.

He is accused of indecently assaulting five girls aged four, seven, nine, ten and 15 and three women including a 74-year-old.

Some of the offences are alleged to have taken place at the doctor's surgery where he has worked since August 2001.

Leeds Crown Court heard Dr Husain's release from custody had been subject to a number of bail conditions.

These include a £50,000 surety, offered by the doctor's mother.

His bank accounts, with assets of £52,000, have also been seized and put in control of his Darlington solicitors, Clark Willis.

The conditions also stated that the GP must live at a bail hostel in Teesside, not enter Darlington, not interfere directly or indirectly with prosecution witnesses and report to Stockton police station between 8am and 4pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Norman Jones QC, adjusted some of the conditions yesterday so that Dr Husain could stay at a friend's home over the Christmas and New Year subject to the prosecution not applying to vary it within 24 hours of the court hearing.

Judge Jones also allowed conditions to be adjusted on the amount of money given to the doctor each week for subsistence by his solicitors, and the time period in which he must report on bail to the police.

The Recorder told Dr Husain that his trial would be heard at Leeds Crown Court on May 17.

It is expected to last about two weeks.