Swindon & Wiltshire Pride has issued a statement after a Great Western Hospital nurse was struck off over ‘sexually motivated’ examinations of children.
Ashley Boyd, who has been known to use the names Ashley Hayes and Rhys Cronin, was removed from the nursing register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
A Fitness to Practise Committee panel found proven a number of allegations relating to his conduct – including that he carried out intimate examinations of young boys.
It ruled that these examinations were outside his role and should not have been performed. Despite being told to stop doing so by senior colleagues, he continued.
The panel heard that the examinations included touching children’s testicles and inner thighs. In most cases there was no medical justification, and regardless, it was not his role.
It was proved that some or all of the examinations were sexually motivated and carried out for sexual gratification. Read the full story >
Ashley Boyd, who was previously the trans liaison nurse at the Great Western Hospital, was also the Chair of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride between September 2022 and March 2023.
The LGBTQIA+ charity has since released a statement – confirming that he did not have direct contact with children during the time spent in his role.
A spokesperson said: “Swindon & Wiltshire Pride (SWP) acknowledges the story published by the press on Tuesday 20 January 2026 regarding former Chair Ashley Boyd.
“Ashley served as Chair of SWP from late September 2022 until early March 2023. The report states that he has been struck off as a nurse following findings of inappropriate conduct involving children.
“During his time with SWP, Ashley’s role did not involve direct contact with children, and he did not attend any events where children were present.
“SWP has had no connection with Ashley since he left his role in 2023.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with those affected and their families.”
