Abortion doctor sentenced for abuse ( 2004-01-03 09:35) (Agencies)
An abortion doctor was
sentenced Friday to nearly 35 years in prison for sexually abusing more than a
dozen patients during examinations.
Dr. Brian Finkel, 64, was convicted last month on 22 counts
of sexual abuse and acquitted on 34 other abuse charges. More than 30 women
testified at his trial that Finkel groped them and inappropriately touched them.
Finkel cited his brusque manner as the reason for his conviction and said his
patients "mistook his good intentions for malevolent ones."
"I'm sorry if I hurt their feelings ... I know I'm not Marcus Welby," Finkel
said in court.
Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Cates told Finkel that his conviction for
abusing 13 different women between 1986 and 2001 "was not because of your
demeanor but because you committed the crimes."
Finkel's lawyer, Richard Gierloff, said he intends to appeal.
It's estimated Finkel performed 20 percent of all abortions in the Phoenix
area. He was an outspoken advocate for abortion rights and wore a gun to protect
himself.
Dr. Brian Finkel, 64, was convicted last month on 22 counts
of sexual abuse and acquitted on 34 other abuse charges. More than 30 women
testified at his trial that Finkel groped them and inappropriately touched them.
