Our statement about the ongoing case against Torben Hersborg

Torben Hersborg pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in London on 23 December 2024 to three offences of spying on women. He has been remanded in custody until sentencing, with the next sentencing review due on 30 January 2025. These offences took place on 21 December 2024.

Torben Hersborg, who practised as an osteopath in central London, is currently in custody and the judge has suggested a custodial sentence will be the outcome of the sentencing, therefore patients and the public are protected.

As the regulator for osteopathy in the UK, our primary role is to ensure public protection. We take action on any concerns reported to us and we have powers to remove or restrict the registration of osteopaths who do not practise to the standards we set.

Protection of the public is our primary concern. Anyone involved with or affected by this case or any other case we are investigating has access to our free and confidential Independent Support Service (call 0300 303 1964).

Members of the public, osteopathy patients, osteopaths and other professionals who may have a concern, either about Torben Hersborg or another osteopath, can contact us directly and speak to trained staff (the direct number for our Regulation team is 020 7357 6655 x224) or find out more about how to raise a concern with us to help us keep patients and the public safe.

Fitness to practise proceedings

We immediately started the process to carry out our fitness to practise proceedings in the case of Torben Hersborg. This has begun with an application to our independent Investigating Committee for what is called an Interim Suspension Order (ISO). Our Investigating Committee is due to meet on 23 January 2025 to consider the application.

The ISO prevents an individual from practising osteopathy for a period of two months, when ordered by the Investigating Committee. We will then aim to swiftly progress the matter to a panel of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC). The PCC would be able to put a more lengthy ISO in place until the conclusion of the fitness to practise case.

We require all osteopaths to meet the Osteopathic Practice Standards which sets standards around knowledge, skills and behaviours for osteopaths and requires osteopaths to practise safely. If a concern is raised that calls this into question, we can investigate this and take action where necessary to protect patients and the public. 

We are aware that there may be further extensions before sentencing to allow police time to understand whether any additional charges should be laid. The next sentencing review is due in the Magistrates’ Court on 30 January 2025.