Gynecologist Dr David Ali went on trial in the San Fernando High Court charged with rape and sexual assault of a patient.
Ali, director of Gulf View Medical Centre, was arraigned before a nine-member jury in the San Fernando First Criminal Court.
The 60-year-old specialist pleaded not guilty to the April 2003 charges of grievous sexual assault and rape of a 22-year-old woman.
The charges were laid by Insp Annmarie McDowell. When Ali first appeared before a San Fernando magistrate in November 2003 he was granted $100,000 bail.
Six alternates also were empanelled yesterday before Justice Mark Mohammed.
However, one of the alternates had to be discharged. No details were given.
Attorney John Heath held for Ali's attorney Dana Seetahal SC.
The State was represented by attorneys Tricia Hudlin-Cooper and Stacy Lalloo Chong. However, they did not open the State's case to the jury.
The matter was adjourned to Thursday.
