Asian doctor who sexually assulted patient was let off with warning
Dr Simon Abraham was suspended by officials at East Sussex Healthcare Trust after he fondled a woman’s genitalia. But he was then allowed to return to work with a written warning
By Shajil KumarJun 05, 2024
An Asian-origin NHS doctor who sexually assaulted a patient after promising he could cure her headaches with a 'specialist' massage was allowed to return to work with a written warning, Daily Mail reports.
Dr Simon Abraham, 35, a Specialty Registrar in Rheumatology at Eastbourne District General Hospital, was suspended by officials at East Sussex Healthcare Trust after he fondled a woman's genitalia.
But he was then allowed to return to work with a final written warning and treat women patients till his contract expired.
Police eventually charged Abraham with sexual assault and last year he was jailed for 18 months after a judge from Chichester Crown Court said he posed a 'medium risk' of causing serious harm to the public.
He was later released in April.
Abraham had initially lied during his first police interview and insisted he had not accessed Patient A's contact details. He later conceded that he had attended her home and telephoned her later but did not sexually touch her.
When he was later jailed, Abraham was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was banned from contacting the victim for five years under the terms of a restraining order.
Dr Abraham was involved in the female patient's initial treatment. But a few days after she was discharged, he accessed her contact details from her confidential medical records.
He told the patient that he had learned about this message technique in India and the victim allowed him to visit her house.
Abraham encouraged her to undress before he began massaging her thighs, and then touched her private parts over her clothing.
An unexpected visitor's arrival forced Abraham to leave the house in a hurry. He later tried to contact the victim.
The victim reported the matter to his bosses at the hospital.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) had removed Abraham from the medical register.
MPTS chairman Malcolm Dodds told the tribunal that Dr Abraham "showed a deliberate disregard for his professional obligations and duties. His abuse of trust was particularly serious because Patient A was vulnerable."
He said that Abraham continues to deny the assault despite having been found guilty by a jury and has expressed no remorse or empathy for the victim.
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with naval personnel aboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, describing it as a symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).
Modi arrived on Sunday (19) evening and boarded the home-built carrier off Goa's coast following a discreet journey. Onboard the vessel, he visited the flight deck surrounded by MiG 29K fighter aircraft and observed multiple takeoff and landing operations conducted both during daylight and darkness.
The programme included a performance by Navy officers and sailors who sang patriotic compositions. One song, specially written by personnel, commemorated Operation Sindoor's success by the Indian Armed Forces. Modi shared dinner with naval staff during the Bara Khana, engaging with members and their families.
On Monday (20) morning, the prime minister participated in a yoga session on deck and witnessed a flypast featuring warships and aircraft. He subsequently addressed the assembled personnel and distributed sweets.
Modi interacts with naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant. (Handout via PTI Photo)
"INS Vikrant is not merely a warship. It represents 21st-century India's work, talent and commitment," Modi said during his address.
He highlighted the strategic significance of Brahmos missiles, noting their international demand. Multiple countries now seek to purchase the systems, Modi added.
Reflecting on his experience, Modi said: "My night aboard INS Vikrant is difficult to convey. The energy you demonstrated was remarkable. When I heard you sing patriotic songs, particularly your account of Operation Sindoor, no words can fully express what a serviceman experiences on duty. My Diwali has been special spending it amongst you."
INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022, is India's first home-built aircraft carrier and the nation's second operational carrier following INS Vikramaditya, which was constructed on a Russian platform. The vessel ranks as the largest warship built in India.
Modi has observed Diwali with the armed forces annually since 2014, continuing the tradition that connects political leadership with defence personnel during the festival.
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