A GP who sexually assaulted two vulnerable women during medical examinations has been jailed for 18 months. Dr Mohammed Iqbal, 64, of Hillcrest, Julianstown, County Meath, Ireland, was convicted by a jury of two charges of sexual assault, which he had denied.
Abuse of Trust During Examinations
Iqbal, who held a partnership at a GP surgery, conducted examinations at medical centres across Newcastle, County Durham and Sunderland. He compiled reports on patients for compensation assessments relating to road traffic accidents, and received payment from insurance firms for his work. He routinely travelled from his home in Ireland, where he also practised as a GP, to undertake this work.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that during a consultation with the first victim in County Durham, he instructed her to stand, then pressed himself against her in an aroused condition for up to 40 seconds before groping her breast. Several weeks later, in Sunderland, he asked the second victim to undress her upper body and fondled both of her bare breasts, with the woman later saying he "had a good feel".
Victim Impact and Sentencing
One of the victims had sustained severe physical injuries in a car crash. When she became distressed while recounting the accident to Iqbal, he suggested in his report that she should receive psychological counselling. Judge Edward Bindloss, passing sentence, said: "You were using a medical examination in relation to (the patients) as a cover for sexually assaulting them. In a gross breach of trust of the doctor patient relationship, you sexually assaulted both of them."
In a victim impact statement, one woman said: "I went to you as a doctor, as someone in a position of trust and you not only completely betrayed this position but also the medical oath you have taken. You also sexually assaulted me that day and I can never forgive you for that." She added: "You should never ever be allowed or have the opportunity to set up as any kind of health practitioner, be it medical or holistic that lends itself to private consultations with clients or patients behind closed doors."
The second victim told the court: "When Dr Iqbal chose to assault me in the medical examination I was vulnerable. I remember being in floods of tears recounting what happened during the accident. He took advantage of that vulnerability and he was wrong to do so." She also said: "One thing I can say today to Mr Iqbal is that I forgive you. I am a woman of faith and it serves no purpose to hold onto unforgiveness."
Professional Consequences
The court heard Iqbal had practised medicine for many years and held licences in both the UK and Ireland. He is currently suspended by the General Medical Council and will likely now forfeit his registration. He has also been suspended by the Irish Medical Council and his GP practice has been terminated.
Judge Bindloss noted Iqbal has no prior convictions, is not classified as presenting a high risk of harm and is capable of rehabilitation, but added: "But this offence is of such seriousness because it undermines a precious bond of trust between a physician and his patient." Phil Gibbs, defending, said: "He accepts through his actions he has brought an end to a relatively illustrious career and brought about his downfall. That's a significant punishment."
