A DOCTOR accused of groping women patients claimed at a hearing

yesterday he was the victim of ''a woman scorned'' who was furious with

him because she thought he had cheated on her with other women.

Dr Edward Yaw Asirifi, 49, has admitted having an affair with

33-year-old Mrs H, although he claims it began after she left his

practice at the Clapham Manor Health Centre, south London.

He told the General Medical Council's professional conduct committee

he thought she must have decided to report him for alleged misconduct

because she had been ''motivated by jealousy and the false thought that

she was not the only woman patient'' with whom he had been having an

affair.

Dr Asirifi, of Streatham, London, said Mrs H had got hold of a

circular letter which he had sent out, canvassing for support against

allegations by

other patients of indecent behaviour towards them, and must have

thought -- erroneously -- that he had ''two-timed'' her.

Dr Asirifi, who is accused of serious professional misconduct, also

denied claims by a further six women patients that he committed indecent

acts towards them. He said his move from Scotland to London was ''like a

dream come true'' and he would not have jeopardised it.

The hearing continues.