**
In a troubling case that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, a general practitioner has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting two female patients during consultations after their involvement in road traffic incidents. Muhammad Iqbal, 64, originally from Julianstown, County Meath, Ireland, was convicted of the offences that occurred in Darlington and Sunderland in 2023, exploiting the trust placed in him by vulnerable individuals in need of care.
Exploiting Vulnerability
The incidents came to light when both women, who had been referred to Iqbal for physiotherapy following their accidents, reported their experiences to the authorities. Initially seeking medical assistance, they instead found themselves victims of a shocking breach of trust. In one instance, Iqbal groped a patient’s breast, while in another, he falsely claimed that a breast examination was necessary, despite it being outside the scope of the assessment.
Durham Constabulary confirmed that both women felt deeply violated by the inappropriate examinations and acted courageously in reporting the assaults, enabling a criminal investigation to take shape. Iqbal, who denied the allegations, was ultimately found guilty after a trial and subsequently sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
Justice Served
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Charlotte Naisby of Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward and encouraged others who may have faced similar experiences to speak out. “Iqbal preyed on these women during a very vulnerable period in their lives and his behaviour was despicable,” she stated. “The women should have felt safe being examined by a certified GP, but instead Iqbal not only assaulted them but breached their trust in the most horrendous way.”
Iqbal’s actions not only resulted in a significant prison term but also placed him on the sex offender register for a decade. This decision is a vital step in ensuring that he cannot further harm others and serves as a warning to those who may consider abusing their positions of authority.
A Call for Vigilance
Sergeant Kimberley Ball of Northumbria Police echoed the sentiments of her colleague, emphasising the need for vigilance against such predatory behaviour within the medical profession. “As a force, we simply won’t tolerate this type of offending and will work tirelessly to bring offenders such as Iqbal to justice,” she remarked. She expressed hopes that both victims could now begin to heal and move forward with their lives, highlighting how their decision to report the crimes has made the North East a safer place.
The broader implications of this case resonate deeply within the healthcare sector, as it raises essential
