Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, 64, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the sexual assault of two female patients. The assaults occurred while Iqbal was conducting medical examinations to assess damages resulting from car accidents. He was found guilty by a jury on two counts of sexual assault, having denied the charges.
Iqbal, who resided in Julianstown, County Meath, Ireland, worked as a general practitioner and was contracted by insurance companies to provide medical reports. He made regular trips from Ireland to the UK to conduct these assessments at clinics in Newcastle and Sunderland.
During an examination in County Durham, Iqbal approached one victim, who had sustained significant injuries in a car crash. According to court testimony, he stood close to her in an aroused state for approximately 40 seconds before touching her breasts. The victim had become distressed recalling the accident, leading Iqbal to recommend psychological counseling in his report.
Weeks later, in Sunderland, Iqbal instructed a second victim to remove her top. He then touched both of her breasts, which the victim described as him having "a good feel."
In victim impact statements, both women described the profound breach of trust and the emotional toll of the assaults. One victim stated, "I went to you as a doctor, as someone in a position of trust. You not only completely betrayed this position but also the medical oath you have taken." She expressed hope that the verdict would empower other victims to come forward.
The second victim recounted feeling vulnerable and in tears while recounting the accident during her examination. "He took advantage of that vulnerability and he was wrong to do so," she said. She added that she experienced shock, anger, and a lingering caution regarding medical appointments.
Judge Bindloss, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted Iqbal's awareness of the victims' psychological vulnerability stemming from their accidents. He emphasized that patients must trust doctors to have their best interests at heart and that the assaults constituted a significant breach of that trust, impacting the victims' confidence. The judge concluded that immediate custody was the only appropriate punishment.
Defending counsel noted that Iqbal's actions have ended a career and brought about his downfall. He acknowledged that Iqbal would never practice medicine again and that his family now faces financial uncertainty due to his loss of income.
Character references described Iqbal as a well-regarded doctor and colleague, noted for his generosity, loyalty, and compassion.