WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Dr Mohammed Iqbal sexually assaulted two vulnerable women at clinics in Newcastle, County Durham and Sunderland while carrying out medical examinations
A perverted doctor who sexually assaulted vulnerable women during medical examinations has been locked up in disgrace.
Dr Mohammed Iqbal violated the sacred trust between doctor and patient in appalling attacks on two women while evaluating them following injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions. Iqbal, who held a partnership at a GP surgery, conducted examinations at medical centres across Newcastle, County Durham and Sunderland, and compiled reports on patients for compensation assessments relating to road traffic accidents.
Newcastle Crown Court was told it was while conducting such evaluations that he sexually assaulted the two women. He refuted two charges of sexual assault but was convicted by a jury and has now been sentenced to 18 months behind bars.
Passing sentence, Judge Edward Bindloss 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.”
The women who attended Iqbal’s surgery had sustained physical trauma in road accidents. He received payment from insurance firms to produce medical assessments and routinely travelled to the UK from his residence in Ireland, where he practised as a GP, to undertake this work.
During a consultation with the first victim in County Durham, he instructed the woman to get to her feet then pressed himself against her in an aroused condition for up to 40 seconds before groping her breast.
Several weeks later, in Sunderland, he requested the second victim to undress her upper body and he fondled both of her bare breasts with his hands and, in her words, “had a good feel”, reports Chronicle Live.
The court was informed that one of the victims had sustained severe physical injuries in the car crash and when she had to revisit the accident while with Iqbal, she became distressed, to such an extent that he suggested in his report that she should receive psychological counselling for it.
Judge Bindloss stated: “So you were well aware of the harm the accident had caused to her psychologically. That made her vulnerable and you knew of her vulnerability prior to sexually assaulting her.”
One of the women shared in a victim impact statement: “I would not normally disclose something so deeply personal to me. I do not want to be labelled a victim or a statistic but, Dr Iqbal, this is what you have made me.
“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.
“Imagine not trusting a doctor. Again, that’s what you have done to me and my family. On the day I found out Dr Iqbal had been found guilty I cried so hard, I was shaking. I really hope that if there are other people who have been sexually assaulted by you, that they can find the courage and strength from this verdict, come forward and report you.
“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 public need to be protected from having this relationship with you.”
The second victim told the court: “I’ve gone through a myriad of emotions one of which was anger. 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. I couldn’t understand why I didn’t say anything at the time, but I’ve since learned that that’s quite common.
“When I left the examination I realise I was in shock and that shock continued for months until I received the report. Then I was angry. Angry at the fact that Dr Iqbal had lied on the report, more importantly that he assaulted me. He broke a sacred trust.”
She added: “I’ve also experienced fear and anxiety and I’m still cautious whenever I have to go to any medical appointments. I ask for a chaperone or take someone with me.” 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. It is my prayer that you get help.”
The court was told Iqbal, 64, of Hillcrest, Julianstown, County Meath, Ireland, had practised medicine for many years and held licences in both the UK and Ireland. He was described as a “well-regarded doctor and colleague” with character references portraying him as generous, loyal, courteous, good-humoured, caring and compassionate.
Alongside his clinic duties in the UK, he was a partner at a GP surgery in Ireland. The court was informed he is currently suspended by the General Medical Council and will likely now forfeit his registration with them. He has also been suspended by the Irish Medical Council and his GP practice has been terminated.
Judge Bindloss noted that Iqbal, who has no prior convictions, is not classified as presenting a high risk of harm and is capable of rehabilitation – two factors which often lead to suspended prison sentences. He 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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.