Robert Doyle still too sick to answer sexual assault allegations from Melbourne Health dinner

DISGRACED former lord mayor Robert Doyle has been given a reprieve, with an investigator of claims he sexually assaulted a woman at a Melbourne Health dinner convinced he is not fit for questioning.

AN INVESTIGATOR has been convinced Robert Doyle remains too ill to be interviewed over claims he sexually assaulted a woman at a Melbourne Health black tie dinner.

The former lord mayor and Melbourne Health chair had been given an ultimatum to answer questions over the allegations or submit to an independent medical examination by the Department of Health.

FOUR ADVERSE FINDINGS AGAINST FORMER LORD MAYOR ROBERT DOYLE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPORT INCONCLUSIVE ON ROBERT DOYLE

HEALTH DEP ASKS WHETHER ROBERT DOYLE WAS TOO ILL TO RESPOND

But, as Thursday’s deadline approached, the department issued a statement saying its investigator was convinced Mr Doyle was not fit for questioning and the probe remained on hold.

“The senior independent lawyer, Mr Charles Scerri QC, who is investigating allegations against the former Melbourne Health chair is satisfied that Mr Robert Doyle is not medically fit to be interviewed at this time,” the departmental statement said.

“Mr Scerri said new medical evidence provided to him indicated it would not be safe for Mr Doyle to be questioned at this time.

Robert Doyle outside his South Melbourne home. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“Mr Scerri is expecting to receive a further detailed medical opinion in the coming days.”

The department said it was not appropriate to release further details of the confidential medical advice provided.

“The investigation has not concluded as Mr Scerri is still waiting for further information and will continue to assess the medical information provided to him,” the department said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Doyle said he was not well enough to take part in the investigation.

“Robert remains unwell and I am not in a position to comment beyond that,” she said.