A sick sexual predator who preyed on a heavily pregnant woman at the Princess Royal University Hospital has been jailed for almost six years.

Gregory Boyle, 58, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 16, after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting the woman in October 2015.

The victim, a pregnant woman in her twenties, was being treated at the PRU hospital in Locksbottom when Boyle posed as a doctor and conducted a 'medical examination' of her - during which he touched intimate parts of her body.

A nurse walked in immediately and asked why he was on the hospital ward. Suspicious of his claim to be a private doctor, staff checked the General Medical Council register.

When his name did not appear on the register, PRUH staff called police.

He was arrested the next month and charged with assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Before committing the crime, Boyle had known the victim's partner, who was carrying out building work on his house.

Her partner confided in Boyle about her heart problems and her pregnancy - at which point Boyle pretended to be a cardiologist and offered to give them a 'second opinion' on her condition free of charge.

When the victim was admitted to hospital, her partner took Boyle up on the offer of an examination because he was concerned about her health.

DC Paul Hill, from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "Boyle targeted a vulnerable, heavily pregnant woman who was concerned for her health. He actively sought to deceive the victim, her family and the medical staff at the PRUH, giving the impression that he was a doctor.

"I would like thank the victim in this case and acknowledge her courage throughout this investigation.

"Thankfully this type of offending is rare, but should anyone recognise Boyle or believe they have been a victim at his hands, please contact the Metropolitan Police."