A senior doctor has been suspended from practicing medicine after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two female colleagues at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

Suspension Imposed by Medical Tribunal

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service determined that the doctor’s fitness to practice was impaired and imposed a 12-month suspension. Naleen Thota, 55, was convicted of two counts of sexual assault.

Details of the Assaults

Dr. Thota was found guilty at Swansea Crown Court last year. The tribunal, led by Bushra Tabassum, heard details of the assaults, which involved unwanted physical contact and exploitative verbal comments leveraging his position of authority.

Abuse of Power

The incidents involved Dr. Thota, who qualified in India and has practiced in the UK for 22 years, targeting vulnerable female colleagues while working as an associate specialist in anaesthetics. Testimony revealed instances of inappropriate hugging and suggestive remarks accompanied by unwanted physical contact.

Victims’ Accounts

Both victims described feeling intimidated and violated by Dr. Thota’s actions. One victim stated he “wielded his position of power like a weapon to hurt me and silence me,” while the other described his behavior as “predatory and calculating,” noting he used a “friendly facade” to groom them.

Court and Tribunal Response

Judge Catherine Richards condemned Dr. Thota’s actions as a “gross and calculated abuse of power and position.” The court praised the victims’ “enormous courage and strength” in coming forward.

Previous Sentencing

Dr. Thota received a 21-month suspended sentence, 300 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation course, and a 10-year registration as a sex offender. However, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service deemed further action necessary.

Tribunal’s Decision

The tribunal considered the seriousness of the offenses, the breach of trust, and potential harm to victims. Despite arguments from Hywel Davies, representing Dr. Thota, regarding the impact on his family, the tribunal prioritized patient safety and professional standards.

Further Restrictions and Future Review

In addition to the suspension, Dr. Thota was issued restraining orders preventing contact with his victims for at least 10 years. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service will review his case again before the suspension ends to determine his fitness to return to practice.