John George Mateljan: Geraldton doctor accused of indecent assault to face seven-day District Court trial

A Geraldton doctor accused of indecently assaulting three women over an 11-year period will stand trial in mid-2026 after dates were set during his latest appearance in Geraldton Magistrates Court. John George Mateljan, 73, is charged with three counts of unlawful and indecent assault over alleged incidents said to have occurred between 2013 and 2024 at two Mid West medical facilities. Police claim the assaults took place during medical consultations or while he was working alongside the women in hospital settings. Dr Mateljan entered not-guilty pleas at an appearance on August 7. During Monday’s court appearance, the matter was committed to the District Court for a seven-day jury trial. The court was told the prosecution intended to call nine witnesses, and no concessions had been made. The trial has been scheduled to run over two sitting weeks — July 13 and 16, continuing from July 20-22. Dr Mateljan, who has practised in the Mid West for decades, has previously worked as a general practitioner, paediatrician, obstetrician, anaesthetist and general surgeon at St John of God Geraldton Hospital. He also worked as a GP out of the Victoria District Medical Centre and has been registered as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency since 1982. AHPRA records show on September 2 the Medical Board of Australia imposed conditions on his registration. He is currently restricted from practising at any location unless approved, and no approved locations have been listed. Should that change, he must not treat female, transgender or non-binary patients, and is prohibited from undertaking telehealth consultations. Dr Mateljan has publicly denied the claism, telling the Geraldton Guardian following his earlier court appearance: “I vehemently deny these allegations and have pleaded not guilty. As the matter is before the court, I won’t be making further comment.” He remains on bail.