A DOCTOR will face trial next year accused of sexually assaulting a woman patient at a Wirral walk-in centre.

Dr Raza Hyder, 40, is charged with a single charge of assault by penetration.

It is alleged he attacked a 23-year-old woman while she was being treated at Wirral PCT’s walk-in centre at the Arrowe Park Hospital site on July 31

Dr Hyder, of Sandhurst Drive, Wilmslow, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

Dressed in a dark grey suit, green shirt and tie, he spoke only to confirm his name and confirm that he was a British citizen.

He did not enter a plea to the charge, but his barrister Ian Harris told the court: “The defendant will plead not guilty.”

The court heart that Dr Hyder will be represented by Michael Harrison, QC.

Judge David Boulton confirmed that Dr Hyder has now been suspended from his position.

Judge Boulton fixed a plea and case management hearing for February 12, 2010, and set a trial date for April 12 next year.

The trial is expected to last about five days.

The judge granted Dr Hyder bail but told him he needed to stay in touch with his solicitor.