Doctor Charged Over Alleged Indecent Assaults
- Dignity 4Patients
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Piper Duffy- ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt- 14/08/2025- [John Mateljan]- [Australia]
An obstetrician has faced court accused of indecently assaulting multiple women in the state's Midwest.
Geraldton detectives allege John George Mateljan, 73, indecently assaulted three women in separate incidents during medical consultations or while working alongside them in hospital settings in West Australia.
Police allege the incidents occurred between 2013 and 2024 at two medical facilities in the Midwest region.
Dr Mateljan is listed as a pediatrician, obstetrician, anesthetist and general surgeon at the St John of God Geraldton Hospital.
As a GP, he worked out of Geraldton's Victoria District Medical Centre.
Dr Kim Pedlow, who works as one of the principals at the Victoria District Medical Centre, said Dr Mateljan was respected.
"Dr John Mateljan has rented a room at our practice for 15 years," he said. "Prior to that I've worked with him in both hospitals, theatre and emergency department. He is a widely trusted and respected colleague."
Dr Mateljan pleaded not guilty to all three charges in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on August 7.
He told the ABC he "vehemently" denied the allegations and would not be making further comment as the matter was before the court.
An order was made for witnesses not to discuss any evidence they may give or would be likely to give at any trial on the matter.
Dr Mateljan will reappear in court again in November.
The investigation is ongoing and police have asked anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar alleged conduct to come forward.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and were abused in state run medical and health facilities, you can contact Dignity4Patients, whose helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.