A former worker at Wotton Lawn Hospital in Gloucester has been remanded in custody after entering not guilty pleas to allegations of sexual assault and stalking. The defendant, Gary Farquharson, 59, of Cheltenham, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court where he was formally charged.
Allegations and forthcoming trial
Court papers say Farquharson faces two counts of sexual assault said to have taken place between June 2025 and February 2026, and a charge of stalking alleged to have occurred between September 2024 and June 2026. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody ahead of a trial listed for February next year at Gloucester Crown Court.
Employment and trust response
BBC reporting indicates Farquharson was suspended from his role at Wotton Lawn Hospital when the allegations first came to light. He is not believed to have worked in a clinical or nursing capacity.
"The health, safety and well-being of trust colleagues is of paramount importance and we are supporting the female colleague affected."
The comment was provided by a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, confirming the trust has responded to the incident and is offering support to the member of staff said to have been affected.
Local impact and context
Wotton Lawn Hospital is a key mental health facility in the city, and allegations involving staff inevitably raise questions for colleagues and patients about safety and workplace conduct. The trust's statement signals an internal response, but the criminal proceedings will determine whether the allegations are proven in court.
- Defendant: Gary Farquharson, 59, of Cheltenham
- Charges: Two counts of sexual assault; one count of stalking
- Alleged periods: Sexual assaults June 2025–Feb 2026; stalking Sept 2024–June 2026
- Next court date: Trial at Gloucester Crown Court, February (next year)
Timeline
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Suspended from role at Wotton Lawn Hospital when allegations emerged |
| Court appearance | Pleaded not guilty and remanded in custody at Gloucester Crown Court |
| Trial date | February (next year) at Gloucester Crown Court |
As the case progresses through the courts, the trust and legal authorities are likely to provide further updates. Anyone with concerns about workplace safety or needing support is advised to contact Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Trust or relevant local services. Reporting on the trial will continue when court proceedings resume.
