GOsC statement following sentencing of former Osteopath

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has issued a statement following the sentencing of former osteopath Torben Hersborg, who received a prison term of three years and five months at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 22 July 2025. He will remain permanently on the sex offender register.

The sentencing relates to eight offences involving the covert recording of women between March 2012 and December 2024. The offences occurred in multiple locations including public spaces, private homes, and Hersborg’s Central London osteopathic clinic, where more than 1,400 illicit recordings were made.

Responding to developments during the sentencing hearing, GOsC Chief Executive and Registrar Matthew Redford said:

“We were highly concerned to learn of additional incidents involving patients being filmed. This represents an appalling breach of trust, with victims unaware they were being recorded over a prolonged period. Our fitness to practise processes will now recommence at pace.”

The GOsC first became aware of the allegations in late 2024 and immediately suspended Hersborg from practising to protect the public. An Interim Suspension Order was issued by its Investigating Committee on 23 January 2025 and extended by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) the following month.

The PCC, which acts independently from GOsC, will now consider the matter further. It has the authority to remove individuals from the Register or restrict their ability to practise, particularly in cases involving criminal convictions. The fitness to practise process remains ongoing and typically takes around one year to conclude.

“We expect all osteopaths to meet the Osteopathic Practice Standards, which are designed to uphold patient safety and public confidence in the profession. Where those standards are breached, we act decisively,” GOsC said in its statement.

Hersborg had pleaded guilty to three charges in December 2024 at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, followed by a further five guilty pleas at Snaresbrook Crown Court in May 2025. Sentencing had been delayed to allow police to investigate possible additional charges.

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