A doctor who was suspendedafter engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former patient, claimed to be "in love" with her and sent her sick texts messages about his sexual fantasies.

Dr Cian Hughes first encountered the girl when she was just 13 and undergoing surgery at a children's hospital in 2011. At that time, he was a 23-year-old fourth-year medical student at the University of Bristol, while she was on the verge of starting her GCSEs.

The pair initiated a sexual relationship in 2015, when the girl was 17.

The tribunal panel was informed that "personal" messages between Dr Hughes and the girl, referred to as Patient A, began after she was discharged from Bristol Children's Hospital in 2011. Their communication commenced after she requested copies of her X-rays.

Unable to access his NHS email, Dr Hughes forwarded them to her from his personal email account, which also included both of his mobile phone numbers in the signature.

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The pair then proceeded to exchange thousands of personal messages. According to the tribunal report: "Patient A had been an inpatient for several weeks and it was evident from the continuing correspondence that she had made a connection with Dr Hughes."

The doctor acknowledged that by December 2013 - when the girl was 16 - he became 'aware Patient A had developed personal feelings for him'.

The tribunal determined Dr Hughes' fitness to practise was impaired "by reason of misconduct" and imposed a 12-month suspension.

Hughes, who now resides in Ireland, accepted that there was an imbalance of power within the dynamic, but maintained it was "a very loving relationship which had developed quickly online".

Towards the end of 2014, when the girl was 17, the duo started exchanging messages about sexual acts - fantasies which they described as "daydreams".

Girl A also stayed overnight at Dr Hughes' flat on multiple occasions, the tribunal report states, where "sexual activity occurred".

Despite her vulnerable status, the panel heard that Dr Hughes regarded Patient A to be his "equal" and was "very much in love with her". The duo had sex on "several occasions".

The relationship concluded in 2016 when the medic relocated to Ireland to begin a position as a medical researcher.

Patient A, who is now in her 20s, lodged a complaint with the police in June 2020 but the investigation was dropped, with no charges brought against Dr Hughes.

The case was transferred to the General Medical Council, who ultimately brought the matter to a tribunal. The tribunal report delved into the impact of the "inappropriate" relationship on the girl, revealing that she now harbours a "distrust of authority figures, medical professionals and medical appointments".

It also highlighted that Patient A struggles to communicate her wishes and has "a general mistrust of men outside her family".

The panel concluded that there were "no patient safety concerns in this case and that the risk of repetition was low". They also decided that a review hearing should be held before the 12-month suspension concludes.

A spokesperson for the University of Bristol assured The Mirror that all medical students "undergo comprehensive ethical training, are subject to enhanced DBS checks, and are taught the importance of following fitness to practice guidelines from their first day".

They further emphasised that this guidance is "reinforced throughout" their studies, and clarified that students are "specifically instructed not to share personal information with patients, including mobile numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts".

In the meantime, the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the children's hospital, stated that patient safety was their "top priority" and that "inappropriate behaviour" would not be accepted.

"We are proud to support the education of future NHS colleagues and are confident in the work of our academic partners to prepare their students for the high level of responsibility and privilege of training in a hospital," they added.

"We would always encourage anyone, patient or colleague, to come forward if they are subjected to, or aware of, any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. You will be listened to, and we will take swift and decisive action."