Geelong GP Joseph Chirawu released from prison after sexual assault of woman

A Geelong doctor jailed for sexually assaulting a patient has been released from prison and is expected to fight to keep practising as a GP.

Joseph Chirawu has served a prison term for sexually assaulting a patient in Geelong.

A Geelong doctor jailed for sexually assaulting a patient has been released from prison and is expected to fight to keep practising as a GP.

Joseph Chirawu served four months behind bars for the sexual assault and indecent assault of a woman at the Geelong City Medical Clinic in August 2012 and May 2021.
His victim has been left “shocked” and “disgusted” to learn he may be granted a medical licence despite his crimes after an anticipated Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) tribunal.

He was also found not guilty of sexually assaulting another patient, Briohny De Stefano, at the same clinic after an incident in August 2020.

Mr Chirawu worked at the Geelong City Medical Clinic.

She is also being called to give evidence at the hearing.

The 45-year-old victim, who did not want to be named, said she wanted to raise public awareness “that you can be a sexual predator but still able to practise as a doctor.”

“It just beggars belief and is a real kick in the teeth,” she said.

“I assumed that by being convicted that would be the end of his career.

“I came forward because I never wanted him to be able to abuse anyone else.”

Chirawu, who was employed at the Ryrie St Geelong City Medical Clinic, has been suspended by AHPRA, meaning that he is barred from practising medicine in Australia.

An AHPRA spokesman said it would not comment on individual matters but was aware

of “and have been monitoring criminal proceedings against Dr Chirawu”.

“Serious criminal convictions can constitute professional misconduct,” he said.

“National Boards do not have the power to cancel a practitioner’s registration.

“It is usual for serious criminal convictions to be referred to a tribunal who, among other powers, have the power to cancel a person’s registration.”

Any change to a doctor’s registration status is recorded on the national register of practitioners.

Chirawu lost an appeal against his sexual assault conviction and four-month jail sentence after a four-day hearing in the County Court on March 25.

Ms De Stefano said she had been fearful he might enter her workplace after learning of his release.

“I have been walking on egg shells,” she said.

“You would think after he completed his prison term he would never be able to practise again.”

His victim said she had lost her ability to “trust my own judgment” following the abuse at the hands of Chirawu.

“He hit me at my lowest and most vulnerable moment,” she said.

“I thought he was the linchpin of my wellbeing but he was the opposite.”

Originally published as Geelong GP Joseph Chirawu released from prison after sexual assault of woman