Dr. Alan Cockeram has a practice at 560 Main St. (Google Street View)

A Saint John doctor has been charged with sexual assault.

Dr. Alan Cockeram, a gastroenterologist, is scheduled to be tried by a judge and jury early next year, following a closed pre-trial hearing in December.

Cockeram, 59, remains an active physician with a practice on Main Street.

It's unclear what, if any action the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick will take pending the trial.

Dr Ed Schollenberg, registrar of the regulatory body, told CBC News he does not yet have enough information about the case to comment.

The Crown is proceeding by way of indictment, which is a more serious charge than a summary offence.

If convicted, Cockeram could face up to 10 years in prison.

Cockeram's defence lawyer David Rogers elected a judge and jury trial on behalf of his client, who did not appear in provincial court Thursday.

He also requested the closed pre-trial hearing, which will determine if some of the evidence will be admissible at trial

The hearing is slated for Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m.

A preliminary inquiry has been scheduled for Jan. 7, starting at 9:30 a.m. Three days have been set aside.

A trial date has not yet been set.