UCLA to pay $243.6m to settle sexual abuse claims against former doctor

Gynaecologist James Heaps accused of groping and assaulting hundreds of women over 35-year career

The University of California has agreed to pay $243.6m (179m) to settle allegations that hundreds of women were sexually abused by a former UCLA gynaecologist.

The settlement covers about 50 cases involving 203 women who said they were groped or otherwise abused by Dr James Heaps over a 35-year career. Each will receive $1.2m, attorneys said. The deal was reached with the assistance of a private mediator after substantial litigation, the parties said.