Top doctor carried out horror sex attacks on female NHS workers after cornering them in hospital
A TOP doctor carried out horror sex attacks on female NHS workers after cornering them in a hospital, a court heard.
Dr Naleen Thota, 55, was in a “powerful” position as an associate specialist in anaesthetics at major hospitals.
But Thota “weaponised” his role to target two female NHS workers when they were alone in Morriston Hospital, Swansea, to carry out sex attacks on them.
Thota had denied two charges of sexual assault but was found guilty after a trial.
In a victim personal statement, one of the women said Thota had “wielded his position of power like a weapon to hurt me and silence me”.
His second victim said Thota had used a “friendly facade” to groom the women and had been “predatory and calculating”
Thota, of Swansea, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court.
Hywel Davies, defending, said Thota trained as doctor in India and moved to the UK 22 years ago but did not know if he would practise medicine again.
He said the shame Thota had brought upon his family meant he would be forced to sell their home and downsize.
Judge Catherine Richards told Thota he had committed “a gross and calculated abuse of power and position”.
She added: “These offences were born out of the exercise of power that was used against these women without regard to the impact on them.”
Judge Richards praised the victims’ bravery for coming forward and said they had shown “enormous courage and strength” through the trial.
Thota was handed a 21 month suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.
He must also complete a rehabilitation course and register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Thota was also handed restraining orders banning him from contacting his victims for at least 10 years.