A GP who sexually assaulted two women during medical examinations arranged by their insurers following road crashes has been jailed for 18 months, according to Durham Constabulary. Muhammad Iqbal, 64, of Julianstown, County Meath, was convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday after denying the offences.
Conviction Details and Sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court
Muhammad Iqbal faced trial in relation to incidents that occurred in Darlington and Sunderland in 2023. His victims were attending physiotherapy sessions arranged by insurers following road crashes when they were seen by Iqbal. In the first incident, Iqbal grabbed a woman’s breast. In the second incident, he pretended he needed to examine a woman’s breast, claiming he was checking for lumps, although that was not the reason for the examination. Durham Constabulary confirmed that following his conviction at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, Iqbal was sentenced to 18 months in prison and placed on the sex offender register for 10 years.
Police Response and Investigation Findings
Detective Constable Charlotte Naisby of Durham Constabulary’s complex safeguarding team stated outside court that Iqbal preyed on the women during a very vulnerable period in their lives, calling his behaviour despicable. Detective Constable Naisby commented that the victims ought to have experienced security while being checked by a licensed doctor, yet Iqbal not only committed assaults against them but also shattered their confidence severely, expressing satisfaction that he is now imprisoned. Sergeant Kimberley Ball of Northumbria Police praised the victims for speaking out, stating she is confident they have made the northeast safer now that the crimes have been brought to light.
Did You Know? Muhammad Iqbal, aged 64, resides in Julianstown, County Meath, and carried out the offences during appointments connected to insurance-arranged physiotherapy sessions following road crashes in Darlington and Sunderland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Muhammad Iqbal and what was he charged with?
Muhammad Iqbal is a 64-year-old GP from Julianstown, County Meath, who was charged in relation to sexual assault incidents involving two women in Darlington and Sunderland in 2023.
What sentence did Iqbal receive?
Following his trial and subsequent conviction, Durham Constabulary reported that Iqbal received an 18-month prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday along with a 10-year placement on the sex offender register.
How did the assaults occur?
The victims were attending insurer-arranged physiotherapy sessions following road crashes. In the first incident, Iqbal grabbed a woman’s breast, and in the second, he falsely claimed he needed to examine her breast to check for lumps.
How do insurance providers and medical practices currently screen visiting practitioners to prevent breaches of patient trust during insurer-mandated appointments?
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