A paediatrician charged with child sex offences may have up to nine victims, with alleged offending captured on “hidden cameras” in consulting rooms, a Perth court has heard.
Chia Liang Saw, who specialises in behavioural issues affecting children, was charged last month after being accused of sexually assaulting a patient at his workplace.
During a bail application in Perth Magistrates Court today, the police prosecutor flagged further charges, saying investigations were continuing and there were “eight, possibly nine victims”.
Dr Saw had operated from locations in Midland in Perth’s east and Nedlands in Perth’s western suburbs.
She said child interviews were being carried out this week and there were also allegations of offences outside his workplace.
Chia Liang Saw is also charged with possessing child exploitation material. (Supplied)
‘Hidden cameras’
Magistrate Janelle Scutt said “hidden cameras in the examination room” were said to have captured sexual offending.
Sexual assault support lines:Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800Headspace: 1800 650 890ReachOut at au.reachout.comBravehearts: 1800 272 831
Defence lawyer Alex Smith told the court it was alleged that a number of recordings were made in consulting rooms.
The magistrate said she did not want to consider bail until she had more information, saying the “strength of the allegations” were relevant to the application.
To date, Mr Saw has been charged with one count of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under 16, and one count of possessing child exploitation material.
The offences allegedly occurred between 2023 and 2026.
The magistrate told the court she did not want to consider bail until she had more information. (ABC News: Keana Naughton)
He showed no reaction as he appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court via videolink from Hakea Prison.
The 41-year-old is scheduled to face court again on June 19.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has suspended Dr Saw’s medical registration, meaning he cannot practice in Australia.
The ABC does not suggest the suspension means Dr Saw is guilty of the charges.